Duo for Voice and Viol

Sofia Pedro & Xander Baker

During the 17th century, the viol (or viola da gamba) gained great importance in Europe. Known as an instrument preferred by the elites, repertoire for this instrument flourished in the courts of France, England and Italy. Still, this music was mainly instrumental, for viol consorts or solo practice. The lute, however, flourished and remained the main accompaniment for singers throughout this century. But sometimes, a composer would choose the viol as the instrument to accompany their songs, as is the case with Tobias Hume.
What might have happened had the viol gained the same weight in the work of other artists of this period?
Our programs include French, English, Scottish, Portuguese and Spanish songs of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, mostly written for a continuo group or a lute accompaniment, adapted for a more intimate setting of one voice and viol, to explore this neglected possibility.