Definition of viola da gamba in English:
viola da gamba
(also viol da gamba)
nounˈɡambəviˌoʊlə də ˈɡɑmbə
A viol, specifically a bass viol (corresponding to the modern cello).
Example sentencesExamples
- The young prince was ten years his junior, but enjoyed playing the harpsichord and viola da gamba when politics allowed.
- This CD contains music that spotlights either two violas da gamba together, or viola da gamba with recorder.
- The instrumental accompaniment is improvisatory, earthy and ingenious: lute, theorbo, guitar and harp continuo, plus up to a trio of violins, viola da gamba, a cornet and a gentle sprinkling of percussion.
- The viola da gamba which features in four paintings seems likely to be the same instrument throughout, and in any case the dimensions of different instruments do not vary greatly.
- The marvelous playing of the viola da gamba instrumentalist was particularly distinguished.
Origin
Italian, literally 'viol for the leg'.
Definition of viola da gamba in US English:
viola da gamba
(also viol da gamba)
nounvēˌōlə də ˈɡämbəviˌoʊlə də ˈɡɑmbə
A viol, specifically a bass viol (corresponding to the modern cello).
Example sentencesExamples
- The marvelous playing of the viola da gamba instrumentalist was particularly distinguished.
- This CD contains music that spotlights either two violas da gamba together, or viola da gamba with recorder.
- The viola da gamba which features in four paintings seems likely to be the same instrument throughout, and in any case the dimensions of different instruments do not vary greatly.
- The instrumental accompaniment is improvisatory, earthy and ingenious: lute, theorbo, guitar and harp continuo, plus up to a trio of violins, viola da gamba, a cornet and a gentle sprinkling of percussion.
- The young prince was ten years his junior, but enjoyed playing the harpsichord and viola da gamba when politics allowed.
Origin
Italian, literally ‘viol for the leg’.