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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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V
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Viol
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1992-09-01
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A family of bowed stringed instruments
prominent in the 16th-18th centuries, before
their role was taken by the violins.
Developed for close-harmony chamber music,
they have a pure and restrained tone. Viols
normally have six strings, a flat back, and
narrow shoulders. Members of the family
include treble, alto, tenor, bass (or viola
da gamba), and double bass (or violone). The
smaller instruments are rested on the knee,
not held under the chin. They are tuned in
fourths, like a guitar. The only viol to
survive in use in the symphony orchestra is
the double bass.