The Lyra Viol in Consort With Other Instruments.
Ila Hartzler Stoltzfus
The entire extant repertoire of unpublished music for the lyra viol in consort with other instruments exists eight manuscripts which provide focus this investigation mid-seventeenth-century English music. This repertoire, dates from late 1630s until early 1660s, is written an ensemble includes a treble instrument, viol, bass and either theorbo or harpsichord. Historical background period, found Chapter I, provides context study transition musical style during period reflects changes political, economic, social structure. five composers these suites along some information about their activities major works are discussed II. Descriptions location each also included here. III contains instrumentation consort, beginning description its history, literature. Questions relating to performance practices raised, specifically those concerning roles continuo instruments. In IV dances ayres described. organization suites, tunings, relationship tunings keys included. elements rhythm, melody, harmony, texture highlight examination compositional V. have been studied seventeenth century ensembles. While many similarities can be found, presence as harmonic melodic instrument unique ensemble.