Pardessus de viole

The pardessus de viole is a rare and fascinating bowed string instrument from the viola da gamba family. It emerged in the 18th century, primarily in France, and was designed to facilitate female participation in instrumental music at a time when women were often discouraged from playing the violin. Though relatively small in size, the pardessus de viole possesses a unique tonal quality and a rich history intertwined with the evolution of baroque and classical music.

Origins and Historical Context

The pardessus de viole was developed in France in the early 18th century as part of the larger viola da gamba family, which was immensely popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Unlike its larger counterparts, such as the bass and tenor viols, the pardessus was designed specifically to play high-pitched melodies.

Social and Musical Climate

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the violin was increasingly favored in orchestral and solo settings. However, social norms at the time made it difficult for women to study or perform on the violin in public. The pardessus de viole, which could be played while seated and maintained a softer, more refined sound, was seen as a more appropriate instrument for women of aristocratic and bourgeois backgrounds.

Early References and Development

The first known references to the pardessus de viole appear in French musical treatises from the early 18th century. The instrument was initially developed as a five-stringed viol, tuned similarly to the treble viol but designed to play violin-like melodies. By the mid-18th century, a six-string version became more common, allowing for greater polyphony and chordal playing.

Construction and Design

The pardessus de viole shares many characteristics with other members of the viola da gamba family but is distinguished by its small size and unique tuning.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The body of the pardessus de viole is typically made from high-quality maple and spruce, with a finely carved top plate that enhances its resonance. The fingerboard and tailpiece are often decorated with intricate inlays, reflecting the refined tastes of the instrument’s aristocratic patrons. The pardessus de viole is the smallest member of the viola da gamba family, usually measuring between 40-45 cm in body length. It retains the flat back, sloping shoulders, and C-shaped soundholes characteristic of the viol family, setting it apart from the violin.

Strings and Tuning

The instrument was originally strung with gut strings, which contributed to its warm and mellow tone. Different tunings were used over time, with the most common being:

Five-string version: Tuned in G-C-F-A-D (like a treble viol but transposed up a fourth)

Six-string version: Tuned in D-G-C-E-A-D, facilitating greater versatility and range.

Bow and Playing Technique

The pardessus de viole is played with an underhand bow grip, similar to other viols. The bow is typically convex (curving outward), allowing for subtle articulation and dynamic control. The playing technique emphasizes legato phrasing and ornamentation, reflecting the French baroque style.

Repertoire and Musical Role

Although not as widely used as the violin, the pardessus de viole developed a rich repertoire, particularly in France.

Notable Composers and Works

Many 18th-century composers wrote for the pardessus de viole, particularly in the French aristocratic salons. Some key figures include:

Jean-Baptiste Forqueray – A virtuoso gambist who composed music adaptable to the pardessus. Louis de Caix d’Hervelois – Wrote elegant suites for the viol, including works playable on the pardessus. Joseph Bodin de Boismortier – Composed duets and solo works for the pardessus, emphasizing its expressive capabilities. Due to its high pitch and violin-like range, the pardessus de viole was often used to play transcriptions of violin sonatas and concertos. This allowed female musicians to engage with contemporary violin repertoire while adhering to social norms.

Decline and Disappearance

By the late 18th century, the pardessus de viole fell out of favor as the violin and other modern string instruments became dominant. Several factors contributed to its decline:

Changing Musical Tastes: The transition from Baroque to Classical music favored bolder, more dynamic instruments like the violin.

Social Shifts: Women gained more opportunities to play the violin openly, reducing the need for alternative instruments.

Instrument Evolution: The pardessus’ delicate sound was overshadowed by louder, more versatile instruments.

By the early 19th century, the pardessus de viole had nearly disappeared from common use, surviving primarily in private collections and historical records.

Revival and Modern Interest

In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in the pardessus de viole, particularly among early music enthusiasts and historical performance practitioners.

Modern Luthiers and Reconstructions

Several contemporary instrument makers specialize in crafting historically accurate reproductions of the pardessus de viole. These instruments are built using traditional techniques and materials, allowing modern musicians to rediscover its unique sound.

Performance and Research

Scholars and performers dedicated to historical performance practice have worked to revive the pardessus de viole repertoire. Some notable developments include:

Early music ensembles and soloists now incorporate the pardessus into their programs. Academic studies have explored its construction, tuning, and cultural significance. Specialist musicians offer training to help new generations of players master the instrument. It is a remarkable instrument with a unique place in musical history. Though it was overshadowed by the violin and fell into obscurity, its revival has brought renewed appreciation for its delicate sound and expressive capabilities. As interest in historically informed performance continues to grow, the pardessus de viole may yet reclaim its place in the world of classical music.

With its elegant craftsmanship, rich historical background, and beautifully refined sound, the pardessus de viole stands as a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of early music traditions.

Cultural Significance

One of the most notable aspects of the pardessus was its strong association with female musicians. During the 18th century, societal norms often restricted women from playing the violin due to its posture and perceived lack of decorum. The pardessus provided an alternative that was deemed more appropriate, leading to its widespread popularity among aristocratic women. By the end of the 18th century, the violin family had largely replaced the viola da gamba instruments, including the pardessus. However, with the historical performance movement of the 20th and 21st centuries, there has been a renewed interest in period instruments, leading to modern reconstructions and performances of pardessus de viole music.

Though rarely used in contemporary classical music, the pardessus has influenced musicians interested in historical performance practices. It provides insight into Baroque and Rococo musical styles and offers a unique timbre that is different from modern stringed instruments.