Bettina Hoffmann
Catalogue of Solo and Chamber Music for Viola da Gamba
Arnold, Gregorio (Georg)
Canzon a 4
Title in the score: Canzon | A 4. 2 Violin, Brazz, è Bastarda
Title in the index: Canzon [à] 4. Doi Violini, Viola di Brachio, è Violon
manuscript/print
D-W, Cod. Guelf. 34.7 Aug.2° (Jakob Ludwig Partitur Buch), pp. 149-151, n° 77
This Canzon is almost identical with the Canzon 33 in Georg Arnold, Canzoni, ariae et sonatae, Innsbruck, Wagner, 1659 (RISM A/I A 2163).
The term “bastarda” is used in Germany generically for a solistic viol; in fact, also the part of this canzona is concertante without having anything in common with the style of the Italian viola bastarda. The term “violon” in the index does not indicate the viol; throughout the manuscript it is used in clear opposition to the viola da gamba. In the printed version, the solo bass part is named “viola o fagotto”, where “viola” most likely refers to the bass instrument of the violin family (violoncello).
(print: A/1 A 2163, ID 990002164)
Michael Fuerst, The Partiturbuch Ludwig: An Introduction and Thematic Catalogue, «The Viola da Gamba Society Journal», 4 (2010), pp. 74-102. http://vdgs.org.uk/journal/Vol-04.pdf
