Welcome to the Treatises page, a bibliographic reference tool designed to facilitate study of early double basses and related bass instruments. Presented is a complete index of all period documents from 16th to 18th century that are used to discuss and research early double basses in scholarly articles and history books. By following an index link you will be presented with a full bibliographic citation of a treatise and along all the available citations of relevant bass entries located there. In most cases the full access of a complete manual in digital scan will be available, as well as a direct link to a specific page, or an image of interest.
For your benefit the main index directory is also divided in three separate listings with Alphabetical, Chronological and Geographical classifications. This division was made in order to offer an easy overview of authors’ names, different periods and geographic locations where these these works have originated. In addition, for many of the later popular manuals (e.g, Albrechtsberger, L. Mozart and Quantz) all extant editions have been carefully noted and indexed, so a quick comparison of different prints and their subsequent changes is instantly available.
Lastly, due to a great diversity of treatise types and a complex system of early bass nomenclature, a need was established to clearly define all criteria applied in their indexing and systematization. For further details on standards and methodologies applied here please follow to a separate heading of Classification Criteria where you will find them further corroborated.
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Chronological Listing
• Judenkünig 1523 p
• Agricola 1528
• Gerle 1532 p
• Lafranco 1533 p
• Gannasi 1542 p
• Gannasi 1543 p
• Agazzari 1607
• Banchieri 1609
• Covarrubias 1611
• Praetorius 1619
• Gengenbach 1626
• Hizler 1626
• Schütz 1636
• Mersenne 1636 bvn
• Doni 1640
• Kircher 1650 bvn
• Erhard 1660
• Kircher 1662
• Megerle 1672
• Covarrubias 1674
• Bismantova 1677
• Prinner 1677
• Speer 1687
• Falck 1688
• Merck 1695
• Speer 1697
• Talbot 1697
• Beyer 1703
• Fuhrmann 1706
• Mattheson 1713
• Bonnani 1722
• Weigel 1722
• Nassarre 1723
• Ridinger 1730-60
• Majer 1732
• Laborde 1780
• Quantz 1780 – 2nd
• Petri 1782
• Anonymous 1787
• Kobrich 1787
• Mozart L. 1787 – 3rd
• Quantz 1789 – 3rd
• Albrechtsberger 1790
• Galeazzi 1791
• Mozart L. 1791 – 4th
• Hiller 1792
Geographical Listing 1
Note 1. Geographical listing designates the place of publication, which in some instances may differ from the main residence of the author. The listed cities however may still offer a good reference on a type of instrument used in their region at the time of publication.
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Note 2. Organge p represents Predecessor instruments as defined in the Classification Criteria heading
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Note 3. Violet bvn represents Bass Violin as defined in the Classification Criteria heading
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Main Index
- Principij di Musica Generali, Contenti Anche Tutte le Sacle per Canto, Cembalo, Violino, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabasso, Oboe e Flauto. n.p.: n.p., [1787]
Citation in Lichtenthal, Peter. Dizionario e Bibliografia della Musica. Vol. 4. Milano: Antonio Fontana, 1826. p. 159 [ source Google Books ]
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Agazzari, Agostino (1578-1640) – Info
- Del Sonare Sopra’l Basso con Tutti li Stromenti e dell’usu Loro nel Conserto. Siena: Deomnico Falcini, 1607.
Online View & Download – Gallica — Online Translation
Violone entry – Il Violone come parte grave procede gravemente, sostenendo con la sua dolce risonanza l’armonia dell’altre parti, trattenendosi più che si può, nelle corde grosse, toccando spessio i contrabassi. p. 9
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Agricola, Martin (1486-1556) – Info
- Musica Instrumentalis Deudsch: 1. Ausg. Wittemberg 1528.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive 1 – Internet Archive 2 – Internet Archive 3
Groß Geigen – Bassus tuning entry, p. 91
Groß oder Kleine Gaigen entry, p. 92
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 15, “Perhaps the eraliest information about Groß Geigen Bassus with the tuning G1 – C – F – A – d – g in German music can be found with Agricola”
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82, Table of all treatises featruing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning
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- Musica Instrumentalis Deudsch: 4. Ausg., Wittemberg 1545.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive 1 [ N.B. the same document as in “Internet Archive 1” link for 1528 edition above ]
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Albrechtsberger, Johann Georg (1736-1809) – Info en – Info de
- Gründliche Anweisung Zur Composition; Mit Deutlichen Und Ausführlichen Exempeln, Zum Selbstunterrichte, Erläutert; Und Mit Einem Anhange: Von Der Beschaffenheit Und Anwendung Aller Jetzt Üblichen Musikalischen Instrumente. Leipzig: Johann Gottlob Immanuel Breitkopf, 1790.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive – MDZ 1 – MDZ 2 – MDZ 3 – MDZ 4
Der Violon oder Contrabaß entry, Anhang, Geiginstrumente, No. 8, p. 421-422
Other online sources – MDZ 1 – MDZ 2 – MDZ 3 – MDZ 4
Scala für den Violon, No. 8, p. 436
Other online sources – MDZ 1 – MDZ 2 – MDZ 3 – MDZ 4
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- Sämmtliche Schriften über Generalbaß, Harmonie-Lehre, und Tonsetzkunst : zum Selbstunterricht ; Systematisch geordnet, mit zahlreichen, aus dessen mündlichen Mittheilungen geschöpften Erläuterungs-Beyspielen, und einer kurzen Anleitung zum Partitur-Spiel, nebst Beschreibung aller jetzt gebräuchlichen Instrumente. 3rd bd. Vienna: Anton Strauss, [1826]
Online View & Download – MDZ
Der Violon oder Contrabaß entry, p. 185-186
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- Sämmtliche Schriften über Generalbaß, Harmonie-Lehre, und Tonsetzkunst : zum Selbstunterricht ; Systematisch geordnet, mit zahlreichen, aus dessen mündlichen Mittheilungen geschöpften Erläuterungs-Beyspielen, und einer kurzen Anleitung zum Partitur-Spiel, nebst Beschreibung aller jetzt gebräuchlichen Instrumente. 3rd bd. Vienna: Anton Strauss, [1830]
Online View & Download – MDZ
Der Violon oder Contrabaß entry, p. 185-186
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- Sämmtliche Schriften über Generalbaß, Harmonie-Lehre, und Tonsetzkunst : zum Selbsunterrichte ; Systhematisch geordnet, mit zahlreichen, aus dessen mündlichen Mittheilungen geschöpften Erläuterungs-Beispielen, und einer kurzen Anleitung zum Partitur-Spiel, nebst Beschreibung aller bis jetzt gebräuchlichen Instrumente. 3rd bd. Vienna; Tobias Haslinger, 1837
Online View & Download – MDZ
Der Violon oder Contrabaß entry, Geiginstrumente, p. 165-167
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- Methods of Harmony, Figured Base, and Composition, Adapted for Self-instruction, by John George Albrechtsberger. Translated from the last German ed., as Augmented and Arranged by His Pupil, the Chevalier von Seyfried, with the remarks of M. Choron. Translated from the last Paris ed., by Arnold Merrick. London: R. Cocks & co., 1834.
The Double Bass entry, p. 247 [ check 1855 edition below for online view ]
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- Methods of Harmony, figured base, an Compositions, Adapted for Self-Instruction / by John George Albrechtsberger ; Translated From the Last German ed., as Augm. and by His Pupil, the Chevalier von Seyfried, With the Remarks of M. Choron ; Translated from the last Paris ed., by Arnold Merrick. 2 vols. London: R. Cocks, [1835-1844] Record Link
The Double Basse (violon or contra bass) entry, no. 202, p. 279 [ source hathitrust.org ]
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- J.G. Albrechtsberger’s Collected Writings on Thorough-Bass, Harmony, and Composition, for Self Instruction : With Many Explanatory Examples. London: Novello, Ewer and Co., 1855.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive – Document Download UR Sibley
The Double Bass entry, p. 247
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Banchieri, Adriano (1568-1634) – Info
- Conclusioni Nel Suono dell’organo. Bologna: per gli heredi di Gio. Rossi, 1609.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive
Violone in Contrabasso entry [indicates tuning], p. 53
Violone da Gamba entry [indicates tuning], p. 54
“Violone in concerto” citation, p. 69
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 40, “Adriano Banchieri (p.53) calls the deepest string of the Violone in Contrabasso” a “Basso con D sotto Gravissimo”. This desgination would never be used for any ordinary bass instrument.”
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82, Table of all treatises featruing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning [ Banchieri Violone da Gamba]
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Beyer, Johann Samuel (1669-1744) – Info
- Primae Lineae Musicae Vocalis: Das Ist: Kurtze, Leichte, Gründliche und Richtige Anweisung, Freiberg: Elias Nicolaus Kuhfus, 1703.
Online View & Download – Google
Violone entry, Appendix (Musical Terms)
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Bismantova, Bartolomeo (pre 1675 – after 1694) – Info
- Compendio Musicale, Ferrara : n.p., 1677 – Record Link
Chapter – Regola de Suonare il Contrabasso, o Violone Grande
[describes tuning and ambitus]
- Compendio Musicale, supplement, Ferrara : n.p., 1694
Chapter – Regola de Suonare il Contrabasso, o Violone Grande
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 106
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Bonanni, Filippo (1638-1725) – Info fr – Info de
- Gabinetto Armonico Pieno D’istromenti Sonori Indicati. Roma: Nella stamperìa di G. Placho, 1722.
Online View & Download – ULB Düsseldorf – Internet Archive
Violone entry, Illustration LVII, p. 101
Violone text entry, No. LVII, p. 102
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Covarrubias, Sebastián de (1539-1613) – Info
- Tesoro de la Lengua Castellana o Española. Madrid, 1611
Online View – FDSevilla
Violones entry, p. 74
Citation in Gándara, Xosé Crisanto. “Origins and Development of Double Bass in Spain”, Geschichte, Bauweise Und Spieltechnik Der Tiefen Streichinstrumente. Blankenburg: Stiftung Kloster Michaelstein, 2004. p. 27
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- Tesoro de la Lengua Castellana o Española. Madrid, 1674
Online View – BVCervantes
Violones entry, fol. 209v – Online View
[ most likely a reprint ]
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Violón at Wiki.es – General Spanish musical definition from 16th to 18th centuries
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Doni, Giovanni Battista (c.1593-1647) – Info
- Annotazioni Sopra il Compendio Deg̕eneri, e Dem̕odi Della Musica. In Roma: Nella stamparia dA̕ndrea Fei, 1640.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive – Museo Galileo
Sopra il Violone Panarmonico chapter entry, p. 314 -336
Violone Panarmonico citations – Online Views p. 18 – p. 69 – p. 289 – p. 292
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 33, “in 1640 (Doni) describes the difference between the type he names — the Violone Panarmonico and the usual Violone.”
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Eisel, Johann Philipp (1698- after 1756) – Info
- Musicus Autodidaktos : Oder der Sich Selbt Informirende Musicus, Erfurt: Finke, 1738
Online View & Download – MDZ – Google
Von Bass – Violon index entry, Sect. II, Cap. II, Num. VI, p. 4
Von Bass – Violon text entry, Sect. II, Cap. II, Num. VI, pp. 47-51
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- Der Sich Selbst Informirende Musicus: Oder Gründliche Anweisung zu der Vocal- und Instrumental-Music, Welche Über 24 Sorten … Instrumente Enthält. 2nd ed. Augsburg : Lotter, 1762.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Von Bass – Violon index entry, Sect. II, Cap. II, Num. VI, Index Citation
Von Bass – Violon text entry, Sect. II, Cap. II, Num. VI, pp. 29-11 – Online View
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Erhard, Laurentius (1598-1669) – Info
- Compendium Musices Latino-Germanicum. Frankfurt: Kempferianis, 1660.
Online View & Download – Google – MDZ
Violone citation entry, p. 128
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Falck, Georg (1659-1694) – Info
- Idea Boni Cantoris, Nürnberg: Gedruckt bey Wolfgang Morris Endier, 1688.
Online View & Download – MDZ — Online View in Color MDZ
Violon tuning entry, p. 189
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82, Table of all treatises featturing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning
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Fuhrmann, Martin Heinrich (1669-1745) – Info
- Musicalischer-Trichter. Franckfurt, an der Spree, 1706.
Online View & Download – SLUB Dresden
Violone, Bass – Geige entry, Capitel X. p. 93
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Galeazzi, Francesco (1758-1819) – Info de – Info en
- Elementi Teorico-pratici di Musica. 2 vols, Roma: Stamperia Pilucchi Cracas, 1791-6.
Online View & Download – Google – IC vol 1 – IC vol 2
Controbasso entry, vol. 2, no. 128, p. 312
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Ganassi, Silvestro (1492-1550) – Info p
- Regola Rubertina: Regola Che Insegna Sonar De Viola D’archo Tastada. Venetia: Ganassi, 1542.
Document Download – IMSLP
Online View & Download – Internet Archive
Violone coverage, Chapter “Modo de’laccordario solo” Cap. VIII, p. 8 [ pagination irregular ]
[ describes an early type of violone covering bass register ]
Tunings description, [p. 14] – Tunings staff view [p. 15-18] – Contrabasso citation [p. 26]
Citation in Erodi (2009), p. 14, Note 47, “Giovanni Maria Lanfranco, Hans Gerle, Martin Agricola and Silvestro Ganassi mention bass violins as well, but they use ambiguous terminology. Therefore, Jambe de Fer’s account counts as the first definite description of the clear term ‘bas de violon’ as a reference to the bass violin.”
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 15 “No sixteenth-century treatise provides an illustration of a bass violin that matches Gaudenzio Ferrari‘s image (Saronno Cathedral, 1535), which is the earliest known iconographical representation of the instrument. Sebastian Virdung, Giovanni Maria Lanfranco, Ludovico Zacconi, and Silvestro Ganassi do not depict bass violins.”
Citation in Planyavsky (1998) p. 1 “Sivestro Gannasi used term violone synoymously with viola da gamba, including a violone with the adjectival suffix c o n t r a b a s s o ”
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- Lettione Seconda pvr della Prattica Di Sonare il Violone D’arco da Tasti. Venetia: Stampata per lauttore proprio, 1543.
Document Download – IMSLP
[ describes an early type of violone covering bass register ]
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Gehot, Joseph (1756-1820) – Info
- Gehot, Joseph. Complete Instructions for Every Musical Instrument: Containing a Treatise on Practical Music in General to Which Is Added the Scale or Gamut for Thirty Five Different Instruments. London: Dalmaine, [1780]. Other sources 1790. Basel Library Holding
[Most likely one of those Thirty Five Different Instruments should be double bass too. Unfortunately no online scan of this work has been located to prove or disprove bass entry]
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Gengenbach, Nikolaus (1539-1636) – Info
- Musica Nova : Newe Singekunst. Lepizig: E. Rehefeld und J. Grosse, 1626. Stanford Library Record
Online View & Download – Google
Violone Grosse Baßgeige entry, p. 150
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Gerle, Hans (1500-1570) – Info p
- Musica Teusch, auf die Instrument der Grossen unnd Kleinen Geygen, auch Lautten. Nuremberg, 1532.
Online View & Download – DSB
Grossen Geygen illustration, p. 13
Citation in Erodi (2009), p. 14, Note 47, “Giovanni Maria Lanfranco, Hans Gerle, Martin Agricola and Silvestro Ganassi mention bass violins as well, but they use ambiguous terminology. Therefore, Jambe de Fer’s account counts as the first definite description of the clear term ‘bas de violon’ as a reference to the bass violin.
Citation in Meier (1979), p. 30-31, Table of Historical Bass Tunings, “Gerle, 1546 (3rd ed.), A1, D, G, H, e, a ”
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Hiller, Johann Adam (1728-1804) – Info
- Anweisung zum Violinspiel für Schulen und zum Selbstunterrichte, Nebst einem Kurzegefaßten Lexicon der Fremden Wörter und Bennenungen der Musik. Leipzig: Bretitkofischen Buchhandlung, 1792.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Violon (Violone Contrabasso) entry, Drittes Kapitel, No. 3, p. 3-4
Violone Entry, Anhang – Fremden Wörter und Bennenungen, p. 86
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Hizler, Daniel (1576-1635) – Info 1 de – Info 2 de [spelled also Hitzler and Hisler]
- Newe Musica, Oder Singkunst : Zu Fürderlichem Und Doch Gründlichem Unterricht Der Jugendt. Tübingen: D. Werlin, 1628. Record Link in Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Baß Geigen entry, p. 109-111 [ online source not located at the present ]
Citation in Otterstedt, Annette. “Consort bass – Kontrabass”, Geschichte, Bauweise und Spieltechnik Der Tiefen Streichinstrumente. Blankenburg: Stiftung Kloster Michaelstein, 2004. p. 106 [indicating Geigenbasse and Gambenbasse tunings] Online Snippet
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 58, “Hitzler‘s C-F-c-g tuning represents a lower tuned bass violin, based on C instead of a Bb.”
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Janowka, Thomas Balthasar (1669-1741) – Info
- Clavis ad Thesaurum Magnae Artis Musicae. Praga: Gerogij Labaun, 1701 *
Online View – Vědecké knihovny v Olomouci
Violone entry, p. 322-323
* As a thesaurus, also cross referenced in ABP Dictionaries
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Judenkünig, Hans (c.1450-1526) – Info p
- Ain Schone Kunstliche Underweisung in Disem Büechlein Leychtlich Zu Begreyffen Den Rechten Grund Zu Lernen Auff Der Lautten Und Geygen. Wien: Hanns Singryener, 1523. Part Two
Online View and Downlaod – Internet Archive – MDZ
A drawing depicting a standing player with bass viol type – Online View Internet Archive – MDZ
Citation in Planyavsky (1984) p. 6-7
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Kircher, Athanasius S.J. (1602-1680) – Info [ bass violin ]
- Musurgia Universalis Sive Ars Magna Consoni et Dissoni in X. Libros Digesta; Bd. 1: Quà Universa Sonorum doctrina, & Philosophia, Musicaeque tam Theoricae, quam Practicae Scientia, Summa Varietate Traditur. Liber Sextus (Bk. 6), Roma: Haeredum Francisci Corbelletti, 1650.
Online View – ECHO — Document Download – IMSLP [choose Book 6]
Violone text entry, p. 486, “Chelys quam figura I in Iconismo VIII exhibet, maior dicitur vulgo Violone”
N.B. the tuning featured for Figura III belongs to Chelys Hexachorda, not Violone (Chelys maioris)
Violone drawing, table “Iconismus VIII”, Fol. 487, designated “I. Figura / Chelys maioris”
The assumed tuning for “I. Figura / Chelys maioris” is G-d-a-e‘ which would put its lower register in the great octave starting a 5th above modern violoncello. An argument was presented that due to similarity of sizes with Accordo , featured as a modern bass sized instrument in Bonani’s treatise, the Kircher’s violone presented here should be much bigger and likely with G1-D-A-e tuning. Future research may show if there is some truth to this, yet for now we will assume an 8 foot register for this instrument as indicated in Erodi’s work.
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 84-85, presents an argument that this instrument belongs to the 16 foot range and is likewise a predecessor to later three string Italian tuning in A1 – D – G
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 51, Table 2.1. “Table of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century violin tunings in treatises”, indicating Kircher’s Basso di Viola / Violone tuning
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 57, “The tuning of the higher-pitched bass violin seems to have been either F-c-g-d‘ or G-d-a-e‘ …”
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- Philosophischer Extract und Auszug, aus deß Welt-berühmten Teutschen Jesuitens Athanasii Kircheri von Fulda Musurgia Universali. Schwäbisch Hall: Hans Reinh. Laidigen, 1662.
Online View – FHB
Baß-Violon entry, Liber III Organicus, No. 3 Von den geigen oder Violen, p. 109
Text: Chelys Major sonsten ein Baß-Violon genennet
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Klein, Johann Joseph (1740-1823) – Info
- Lehrbuch der Theoretischen Musik in Systematischer Ordnung Entworfen. Offenbach: André, [1800]
Online View & Download – Internet Archive
Der Violon entry, No. 312, p. 129
- Lehrbuch der Theoretischen Musik in Systematischer Ordnung Entworfen. Leipzig un Gera: Wilhelm Heinsius, 1801.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Der Violon entry, No. 312, p. 129
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Kobrich, Johann Anton (1714-1791) – Info
- Praktisches Geig-Fundament, Das Sich Mehr in Zeichen Und Noten, Als in Vielen Ausgesinnten Erklärungen Für Schwächere Lehrlinge Leicht Ausgezeichnet: Worinn Das Violin, Alt-Viola, Bassetto und Violon in Sechserley Verstimmungen Mit 3. 4. und 5. Saiten auf Die Leichteste und Kürzeste Art Zu Erlernen Ist. Augsburg: Mathhäus Rieger Söhne, 1787. Record Link
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 138 – citiation “This work came out in the same year as the third edition of Mozart’s (L.) work, 1787, and it was likewise published in Augsburg. Kobrich names six double bass tunings” [ not available online ]
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La Borde, Jean-Benjamin de (1734-1794) – Info
- Essai Sur La Musique Ancienne Et Moderne, vol. 1, Paris: Pierres, 1780.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive – BNP – Gallica – MDZ – NLS
Contrebasse text entry, p. 293
Contrebasse image entry, p. 309
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Lafranco, Giovanni Maria (ca.1490-1545) – Info p
- Scintille di Musica. Brescia: Lodovico Britannico, 1533.
Online View & Download – Gallica • Download – IMSLP
Violoni : Basso strings citation, “Del Violoni da tasti & da Arco” heading, p. 142
Also discussed in Wasielewski, W. J. v. “Giov. Maria Lanfranco und Fetis : Eine Berichtigung.” Monatshefte für Musik-Geschichte. Jahrg. XI No. 1, 1879, pp. 3-6. (particulary p. 5) – Online View
N.B. Lafranco does not present exact tuning in defined pitches, thus what you see in Wasilevski is a reconstruction based on text analysis
Citation in Planyavsky (1984) p. 34-35 – Following on Wasilewski’s work, Planyavsky points to Lafranco’s two Bass Violone tunings starting with D and E respectively, where a bottom E string – an equivalent of our modern bottom E string – is for the first time mentioned.
Citation in Erodi (2009), p. 14, Note 47, “Giovanni Maria Lanfranco, Hans Gerle, Martin Agricola and Silvestro Ganassi mention bass violins as well, but they use ambiguous terminology. Therefore, Jambe de Fer’s account counts as the first definite description of the clear term ‘bas de violon’ as a reference to the bass violin.
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 15 “No sixteenth-century treatise provides an illustration of a bass violin that matches Gaudenzio Ferrari‘s image (Saronno Cathedral, 1535), which is the earliest known iconographical representation of the instrument. Sebastian Virdung, Giovanni Maria Lanfranco, Ludovico Zacconi, and Silvestro Ganassi do not depict bass violins.”
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Majer, Joseph Friedrich Bernhard Caspar [commonly J.F.B.C.] (1689-1768) – Info
- Museum Musicum Theoretico-Practicum : das ist: Neu-eröffneter Theoretisch- und Praktischer Musik-Saal. Schwäbisch-Hall: Georg Michael Meier, 1732.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Violone entry, p. 80
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Marpurg, Friedrich Wilhelm (1718-1795) – Info en – Info de
- Historisch-kritische Beyträge zur Aufnahme der Musik, 3 vols, Berlin: Gottlieb August Lange, 1756-78.
Online View & Downlaod – MDZ
Die Grosse Baßgeige oder Contraviolon citation, “Violinschule” chapter, Geiginstrumenten listing, vol. 3 (1757), p. 161
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Mattheson, Johann (1681-1764) – Info
- Das Neu-Eroffnete Orchestre. Hamburg: Benjamin Schiller, 1713.
Online View & Download –MDZ – Google
Der Brummende Violone entry, Capitel III, No. 23, p. 285-6
Bass Cleff use for Violone, Capitel II, No. 7, p. 70-71
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- Der Vollkommene Capellmeister, Hamburg: Christian Herold, 1739
Online View & Download – MDZ – Google
Violone entry, Vier und Zwanzigstes Capitel, Instrumenten, No. 89, p. 469
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Megerle, Abraham (1607-1680) – Info de
- Speculum Musico-Mortuale: Das ist: Musicalischer Todtenspiegel. n.p., 1672. *
Online View & Download – MDZ – U. Salzburg [contains transcribed text]
BaßGeige entry & drawing, p. 32 – MDZ – U. Salzburg
* Although the place of publication for Megerele’s treatise is not precisely established, here and for the sake of geographical classification it is listed under Salzburg. Megerle himslef was active both in Salzburg and Altötting (Bavaria, Germany), so the work may have originated in either of locations.
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Merck, Daniel (1675-1717) – Info
- Compendium Musicae Instrumentalis Chelicae. Augsburg: Johann Christoph Wagner, 1695.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Bass-Geigen entries, Cap. VIII, 5th page
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82, Table of all treatises featruing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning
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Mersenne, Marin (1588-1648) – Info [ bass violin ]
- Harmonie Universelle, Seconde Partie, Paris: Pierre Ballard, 1637
Online View & Download – Gallica
Basse de Violon image & Tuning (Bb1 – F – c – g), Livre Qvatriesme : Des Instruments a Chordes, Proposition IIII, , p. 184
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 60, “Undoubtedly, Marin Mersenne introduces the most unambiguous classification of the large bass violin. It is for this reason that he always refers to the bass violin with the same term basse de violon and also provides a picture of it. An image of the lower tuned bass violin from 1635 represents the earliest illustration of the bass violin with four strings within an organological treatise (Fig. 2.11).
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 61, Figure 2.11. Basse de Violon (image) in Marin Mersenne‘s Harmonie Universelle, 1635.
Comparative Table of Terminology and Tunings in Erodi (2009) p. 51.
N.B. for the purpose of this listing only Lafranco and Marsenne feature tunings that start with contra Bb1 and thus reach to contra register decided for this listing. All other bass violins in Erodi’s listing fit the great octave and approximate the register of modern violoncello.
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Mozart, Leopold (1719-1787) – Info en – Info de
For the sake of complete documentation French editions are also cited here, although in all probability they miss the section on period bass instruments. Also, at the present French editions are not indexed in Chronological and Geographical listing indexes.
- Versuch Einer Gründlichen Violinschule: Entworfen Und Mit 4 Kupfertafeln Sammt Einer Tabelle Versehen. 1st ed. Augsburg: Johann Jacob Lotter, 1756. – Info en – Info de
Online View & Download – MDZ – Google
Der große Baß oder Violon – Violone entry, p. 3 – Online View
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- Grondig Onderwys in Het Behandelen Der Viool: Met 4 Konst-Plaaten En Een Tafel Van De Regelen Der Strykmanier Enz. Voorzien. Haerlem: Joannes Enschede, 1766. [after 1st edition]
[ Dutch edition of Violinschule ]
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- Méthode Raisonnée Pour Apprendre À Jouer Du Violon. Translated by Valentin Roeser. Paris: LeMenu, 1770. Record Link
Online View & Download – BDH
[ no entry on Contrabasse located ]
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- Gründliche Violinschule, Mit Vier Kupfertafeln Und Einer Tabelle. Zweyte Vermehrte Auflage. 2nd enlarged edition. Augsburg: Johann Jacob Lotter, 1770. Record Link
Cited in Violinschule wiki de
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- Leopold Mozarts, Hochfürstl. Salzburgischen Vice-Capellmeisters, Gründliche Violinschule, Mit Vier Kupfertafeln Und Einer Tabelle [Dritte vermehrte Auflage]. 3rd ed. Augsburg: Johann Jacob Lotter und Sohn, 1787.
Although desgnated as the 3rd edition, this publication is alsmost identical with the 2nd edition. Source Violinschule wiki de
Online View & Download – Internet Archive – MDZ
Der große Baß – Il Contra Basso – Violon entry, p. 3 – Online View
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- Leopold Mozarts, Hochfürstl. Salzburgischen Vice-Capellmeisters, Gründliche Violinschule: Mit Vier Kupfertafeln Und Einer Tabelle: Vierte Auflage. 4th ed. Frankfurt und Leipzig: n.p., 1791.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Der große Baß – Il Contra Basso – Violon entry, p. 3
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- Leopold Mozarts, Hochfürstl. Salzburgischen Vice-Capellmeisters, Gründliche Violinschule: Mit Vier Kupfertafeln Und Einer Tabelle. Augsburg: Johann Jacob Lotter und Sohn, 1800.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Der große Baß – Il Contra Basso – Violon entry, p. 3
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- Méthode de Violin par L. Mozart. Edited by Michel Woldemar. Paris: Chez Pleyel, 1801.
Citation from the article: November, Nancy. “A French Edition of Leopold Mozart’s Violinschule (1756).” Deep South. v.2. n.3. Spring, 1996, Note 18.
Future research should determine if an entry on Violon or Contrabasso is preserved in this edition
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- Leopold Mozart’s Violinschule oder Anweisung die Violin zu spielen. Leipzig: C. F. Peters, 1817.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Der Violon (Violono) – Contrebaß entry, p. 1
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Nassarre, Pablo (1650–1730) – Info
- Escuela Música según la Práctica Moderna. Zaragoza, 1723/1724.
Onlibe View & Download – Google
Violon entry, p. 465
Citation in Gándara, Xosé Crisanto. “Origins and Development of Double Bass in Spain”, Geschichte, Bauweise Und Spieltechnik Der Tiefen Streichinstrumente. Blankenburg: Stiftung Kloster Michaelstein, 2004. p. 32
Section on p. 32 covers the profile and use of Nassare’s Vihuela de Arco and Violon, likely Baxo de Violón – Online Snippet
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Panerai, Vincenzo (after 1750)
- Principj Di Musica, Nei Quali Oltre Le Antiche E Solite Regole, Vi Sono Aggiunte Altre Figure Di Note, Schiarimento Di Chiavi, Scale Dei Tuoni, Lettura Alla Francese, Scale Semplici Delle Prime Regole Del Cimbalo, Violino, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabbasso, Oboe e Flaute. Venezia: Antonio Zatta, [c.1750]
Online View & Download – MDZ
Scala per imparare suonare il Contrabbasso entry, p. 10
- Principj Di Musica, Nei Quali Oltre Le Antiche E Solite Regole, Vi Sono Aggiunte Altre Figure Di Note, Schiarimento Di Chiavi, Scale Dei Tuoni, Lettura Alla Francese, Scale Semplici Delle Prime Regole Del Cimbalo, Violino, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabasso, Oboe e Flaute. Firenze: Giovanni Chiari [1780].
Download Page – University of Rochester
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Petri, Johann Samuel (1738-1808) – Info
- Anleitung zur Praktischen Musik, Leipzig: J.G.I. Breitkopf, 1782.
Online View & Download – MDZ
Violone in ensemble plan, p. 188
Von Grossen Violon chapter entry, p. 456-9
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Ponsing, Friedrich (18th to 19th c.)
- Uebersicht des Instrumentalsatzes, ca. 1800, manuscript – Treatise Info pdf
Contra-Baß : 5 Saitig – citation in: Stradner, Gerhard. “Die Streichinstrumente in einem Traktat von Friedrich Ponsing, Wien (?) um 1800.” Alte Musik und Musikpädagogik / hrsg. von Hartmut Krones. Weimar: Böhlau, 1997, p. 33-42.
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Praetorius, Michael (1571-1621) – Info
Syntagma Musicum – Info
- Syntagma Musicum, De Organogrpahia, Band 2, Wolfenbüttel, 1619 – Index
Online View & Download of Original Print – Internet Archive – MDZ
Online View & Download of 1884 Modern Font Reprint – Internet Archive 2
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Tunings entries, Capitel III, Tabela Universalis : Aller Blasenden und besaiteten Instrumenten, p. 25-26 *
1. Gar Groß Basß-Viol – Viole da gamba Violen, p. 25 – Depiction at Table V, No 1
2. Groß Baß Viol de Gamba [ 3 tunings] – Viole da gamba Violen, p. 25 – Depiction at Table VI , No. 4
3. Klein Baß-Viol de Gamba [ 7 tunings ] – Viole da gamba Violen, p. 25 – Depiction at Table XX , No. 3
4. Groß Quint Bass – Viole da braccio Geigen, p. 26 – Depiction at Table XXI , No. 6
* All four from above also available in 1884 modern font edition, p. 28-29 [ original p. 25-26 ] – Internet Archive 2
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Text entries
1. Gar grosse Violn de Gamba Sub Bässe entry, Capitel XX, Violen / Geigen Violuntzen, p. 46 ; also in modern print 1884, p. 54 – starts with “N.B.” Internet Archive 2
• deren Abriß Col. V zufinden – depiction in Table V
• tuning at p. 25 above
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2. Die groß Viol de gamba (Italis Violono, oder Contrabasso da Gamba) entry, Capitel XX, Violen / Geigen Violuntzen, p. 44
• also in modern print 1884, p. 52, middle of page paragpraph Internet Archive 2
• deren Abriß in Sciagr col. VI – depiction in Table VI
• Contra Basso de Gamba / wird durch eine Quart gestimett, also cited in index p. 210
• Violono, also cited in Index p. 229
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3. Klein Baß-Viol de Gamba citation, Capitel XX, Violen / Geigen Violuntzen, p. 44
• also in modern print 1884, p. 52, second paragpraph Internet Archive 2
• Deren Abriß in Sciagr col. XX – depiction in Table XX , No. 3
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4. Gross Quint Bass entry, Capitel XXI, Violn Bracio, p. 48
• also in modern print 1884, p. 57, Internet Archive 2
• Sciagr col. VI – depiction in Table XXI
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- Theatrum Instrumentorum seu Sciagraphia, 1620. An appendix to the second volume (Band 2)
Info from Praetorius’ wiki page: “An appendix to the second volume (Theatrum Instrumentorum seu Sciagraphia, 1620) consists of 42 beautifully drawn woodcuts, depicting instruments of the early 17th century, all grouped in families and shown to scale.
Online View – Wikimedia Commons – MDZ
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• Table V, No. 1, Groß Contra-Bass-Geig
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• Table VI, No. 4, Violone, Groß Viol-de Gamba Bass – also at MDZ
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• Table XX, No. 3, Klein Baß-Viol de Gamba
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• Table XXI, No. 6, Bas-Geig de Bracio
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- Syntagma Musicum, Band 3, Wolfenbüttel, 1619 – Index
Online View & Download – Internet Archive – MDZ
Online in Modern Print – Bassus. Generalis. org
Capitel IV , Kurze Abtheilung aller Instrumenten Wie Die Musiciren Gebraucht Werden, p. 139
Capitel V , Instrumentorum Congrua Appelatio, p. 140-143
Groß Baßgeig – Violone citation, p. 142 [ corrected pagination 122 ] MDZ p. 122
Violone – Groß Baßgeige citation, p. 143 [corrected pagination 123 ] MDZ p. 123
Capitel VI , De Basso Generali Seu Continuo, p. 140
Theil III , Vom Lautisten Harfenisten etc. p. 146
Die grosse Baßgeig & Violone entry – Die grosse Baßgeig, den welschen Violone, gehet, als es den tieffen stimmen gebühret, gar gravitetisch, erhelt mit ihrem lieblichen Resonantz die Harmony der andern Stimmen, und beibt so viel sie immer kan uff den groben Säitten, zum öftern auch der ContraBaß, das ist uff den gröbsten Säiten die Octav anrührend. p. 148
Theil IV, Tromboni Fagotti, p. 159
Die Octav Posaun & Sub – oder Contrabass Violen pairing section, p. 160
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Index
Baßgeige 122 – p. 244 [ MDZ 122 ]
Groß Baßgeige 122 – p. 249
Violino. Violone 122. 114. 115. – p. 256 [ MDZ 114 ; MDZ 115 ]
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Prandi, Giovanni Francesco (16th -17th c.) – Info
- Compendio della Musica. Bologna, 1606 – Record Link
Transcribed from original print to modern type by MIMTT – Document Download
Citation in Planyavsky 1998, p. 81
[ presents tuning ]
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Prinner, Johann Jacob (1624-1694) – Info
- Musicalischer Schlissl, Kremsmünster, 1677.
Chapter XIII “Geigen”, French Translation, Download – IMSLP
Violone tuning at p. 4 of the IMSLP pdf
The German original is also preserved in the Library of Congress, Washington DC, yet the online scann is currently not available – Record Link
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82, Table of all treatises featruing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning
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Quantz, Johann Joachim (1697-1773) – Info en – Info de
- Versuch einer Anweisung die Flöte Traversiere zu Spielen. 1st ed. Berlin: Johann Friedrich Voss, 1752. Info
Online View & Download – Internet Archive
Von dem Contraviolonisten Insbesondere, Chapter XVII, Section V, p. 218-222
Presented also in standard German font – Wikisource.de
[ Scroll down to the middle of page at Des XVII. Hauptstücks V. Abschnitt. Von dem Contraviolonisten insbesondere. ]
Of the Double Bass Player in Particular, Chapter XVII, Section V, English translation by Edward R. Reilly. [No. 2-7 missing]
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- Essai D’une Méthode Pour Apprendre À Jouer De La Flute Traversière. Berlin: Chez Chretien Frederic Voss, 1752.
Online View & Download – Google – Internet Archive
De celui qui joue de la Grande Basse de Violon (Violone) en particuler. Chapter XVII, Section V, p. 222-226 – Online View Google – Internet Archive
Unfortunately both scans are incomplete and partially missing in the “Grand Basse” section . Hopefully a better scan will be offered in the future.
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- Grondig Onderwijs van den Aardt en de Regte Behandeling der Dwarsfluit. Amsterdam : Olofsen, 1754. 1754.
Future research should show if a Von dem Contraviolonisten Insbesondere Chapter was preserved in Amsterdam edition as well.
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- Versuch einer Anweisung die Flote Traversiere zu Spielen. 2nd ed. Breslau: Johann Friedrich Korn, 1780.
Online View & Download – MDZ 1 – MDZ 2
Von dem Contraviolonisten Insbesondere, Chapter XVII, Section V, p. 218-222
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- Versuch einer Anweisung die Flote Traversiere zu Spielen. 3rd ed. Breslau: Johann Friedrich Korn, 1789.
Von dem Contraviolonisten Insbesondere, Chapter XVII, Section V, p. 219 [ online snippet ]
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Reicha, Anton (1770-1836) – Info
- Vollständiges Lehrbuch der Musikalischen Composition. Vienna: Aton Diabelli, 1834.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive
De la Contre-Basse / Vom Contrabass entry, p. 304-305
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Ridinger, Johann Elias (1698-1767) [engraver & publisher] – Info en – Info de
From a “Musizierende Figuren” series of 4 copperplate engravings in Mezzotint technique.
• Der Gravitätische und Durchdringende Violone. Catalog no. Thienmann 1251, Augsburg, 1730 to 1760 *
Classified in:
Thienmann, Georg Augsut Wilhelm. Leben und Wirken des Unvergleichlichen Thiermalers und Kupferstechers Johann Elias Ridinger. Leipzig: Rudolph Weigel, 1856.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive 1 – Internet Archive 2
Zweite Abteilung: Schwarzkunstblätter von und nach Ridinger.
C. Genrebilder.
e. Genrebilder vermischter Art.
101. Siebente Folge, Vier Blatt, Musizierende Figuren (1251 – 1254)
Der Gravitätische und Durchdringende Violon. p. 262
Index also located in Thienmann site – Index List
* Dating approximate, based on his biography. Further research needed.
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Schütz, Heinrich (1585-1672) – Info
- Musikalische Exequien, Op. 7, SWV 279–281, Dresden, 1635-6 – Info
From the foreword of the original edition [Originale Vorreden Musikalische Exequien]
Vor den Violon oder die grosse Bassgeigen etliche erinnerungen [ scroll down to middle of the page ] – source http://heinrich-schuetz-haus.de
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 13 [presents an English translation]
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Speer, Daniel (1636-1709) – Info – LC Authority
- Grundrichtiger, Kurtz, Leicht und Nöthiger Unterricht der Musikalischen Kunst. Ulm: Georg Wilhelm Bühnen, 1687. DDB Record
Online View & Download – Google – MDZ
Bass-Violon entry, p. 89-90
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82, Table of all treatises featruing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning
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- Grundrichtiger, Kurtz, Leicht und Nöthiger Unterricht der Musikalischen Kunst. Oder, Vierfaches Musicalisches Kleeblatt. Ulm: Georg Wilhelm Kühne, 1697. DDB Record
Online View & Download – MDZ – Google
Bass-Violon entry, p. 206-7
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Stössel, Johann Christoph (18th c.) – Info
- Kurtzgefaßtes Musicalisches Lexicon. Chemnitz: Johann Christoph und Johann David Strössel, 1737.
Online View & Download – MDZ – Google
Bass-Violon entry, p. 57
Violone entry, p. 417
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- Kurtzgefaßtes Musicalisches Lexicon: Neue Aufalge (New Edition). Chemnitz: Johann Christoph und Johann David Strössel, 1749
Online View & Download – MDZ – Google
Bass-Violon entry, p. 59
Violone entry, p. 418
N.B. “Bass-Violon” and “Violone” entries appear to be ideantical to those in 1737 edition
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Talbot, James (1664-1708) – Info JSTOR
- Talbot Manuscript. Oxford University, Christ Church Library, Manuscript No. 1187 – Online Index
Colloquially know as Talbot Manuscript this period source dated 1695 offers a record of several bass viol and violone instruments along with their respective tunings.
Bibliography
Baines, Anthony. “James Talbot’s Manuscript. (Christ Church Library Music MS 1187). I. Wind Instruments.” The Galpin Society Journal. Vol. 1 (Mar., 1948), pp. 9-26 – Online View
Donington, Robert. “James Talbot’s Manuscript. (Christ Church Library Music MS 1187). II. Bowed Strings.” The Galpin Society Journal. Vol. 3 (Mar., 1950), pp. 27-45 – Online View
Focht Josef. “Historische Facetten der Wienier Kontrabasses.” Geschichte, Bauweise und Spieltechnik Der Tiefen Streichinstrumente. Blankenburg: Stiftung Kloster Michaelstein, 2004. p. 131 – Online Snippet
Unwin, Robert. “ ‘An English Writer on Music’: James Talbot 1664-1708.” The Galpin Society Journal. Vol. 40 (Dec., 1987), pp. 53-72 – Online View
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Todini, Michele (1616-1690) – Info [metmuseum]
- Dichiaratione Delle Galleria Armonica. Roma: Tizzoni, 1676. Record Link – Google [limited access]
Violone – Contrabasso quaotation, p. 81 – “introdussi nelle Musiche di Roma il Violone Grande, o sia Contrabasso” [ online snippet ]
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 13 [ bottom of the page ]
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 32 [ middle of the page ]
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82-3 [ including Note. 108 ]
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Virdung, Sebastian (1465-1530) – Info p
- Musica Getutscht. Basel, 1511.
Online View & Download – Internet Archive – MDZ
Gross Geigen drawing, p. 9
Citation in Erodi (2009) p. 15 “No sixteenth-century treatise provides an illustration of a bass violin that matches Gaudenzio Ferrari‘s image (Saronno Cathedral, 1535), which is the earliest known iconographical representation of the instrument. Sebastian Virdung, Giovanni Maria Lanfranco, Ludovico Zacconi, and Silvestro Ganassi do not depict bass violins.”
Cititation in Musica Getutscht: A Treatise on Musical Instruments (1511) by Sebastian Virdung. Edited and Translated by Beth Bullard. Cambridge University Press, 1993. Notes to pages 24-26. “Example of errors include: the translation of Gross Geige as “double bass” (Gross Geigen were viols, presumably of several different sizes).”
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Walther, Johann Gottfried (1684-1748) – Info
- Musicalisches Lexicon oder Musicalische Bibliothec. Leipzig: Wolffgang Deer, 1732.
Online View & Download – MDZ – Internet Archive – Wikimedia
Basse – Contre entry, p. 78
Basse de Violon entry, p. 78
Basse double oder double Basse entry, p. 78
Violone entry, p. 637
Violonista entry, p. 637
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Weigel, Johann Christoph (1661-1726) – Info
- Musicalisches Theatrum: Auf Welchen Alle Zu Dieser Edlen Kunst Gehörige Instrumenta in Anmuthigen Posituren Lebhafft Gezeiget Und Allen Music Liebhabern Zu Gefälliger Belustigung Vorgestellet Werden. 2 vols. Nürnberg: Weigel, c.1720
Document Download – IMSLP
Violon image, Plate 23, Vol. 1.
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Zacconi, Lodovico (1555-1627) – Info
- Prattica di Musica. Vol. 1, Venetia: Appresso Bartolomeo Carampello, 1596.
Online View & Download – Gallica
Online View – UNT
Libro Quatro, Cap. LIII ( printed LVII), f. 217, Differentiation between Viola da Braccio and Viola da Gamba instrument families – Online View
Further discussion with German translation: Otterstedt, Annette. “Consort bass – Kontrabass”, Geschichte, Bauweise und Spieltechnik Der Tiefen Streichinstrumente. Blankenburg: Stiftung Kloster Michaelstein, 2004. p. 109.
Citation in Planyavsky (1998), p. 82, Table of all treatises featruing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning
Classification Criteria
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Period treatises present a unique challenge in their classification as their profile of expertise can unusally not be so easily defined by modern standards. This issue is further augmented by a unique development of early bass instruments and a definition of double bass within that context. Therefore a need to present a clearly defined set of crietria that is applied for inclsuion of treatises and the terminological references presented in them, has emerged. For the benefit of wider audiences these criteria are presented here in a form of question and answer dialogue.
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What is a treatise?
For the sake of this listing any period document with written or printed text that relates to the field of early basses is consdered. The common forms of these works may include teaching manuals, general music books, theory books, individual instrument treatises with sections on basses, engraver collections of period instrument images with commentary, and also music scores with written sections relevant to the bass field.
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What is a double bass?
Modern definition of double bass implies the biggest instrument of the string family with the E1, A1, D, G tuning (regardless of the fact that other tunings are also used). Period definition of double bass will start to wary considerably from this definition the more we start to distance ourselves from our time. Thus the number of tunings, sub tunings, instrument sizes, their period names, their functions and sub functions increases exponentially to the point where a distinction from, or an association with modern instrument is completely blurred. This variety has therefore necessitated a method where one general criterion had to be applied in order to decide on the “cut point” where a reference to the modern instrument stops. More on that in the following entry.
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What is the main criterion for inclusion of a treatise in the this listing?
A basic paramenter for inclusion of a treatise is an information (documentation) that indicates, or at least implies a Contra Range with an instrument it presents. Contra Range in tuning or written part, is an essential element of our modern instrument function that can be traced to the earliest times of string instrument development. When this criterion could not be firmly established in a treatise, and there is still some possibility that an instrument discussed there may be of importance for the study of early basses, than those treatises are labeled as Predecessors.
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How is the Contra Range presented – identified in this page?
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Pitch Scale Table
The following table demostrates the nomencalture, range and pitch definitions as used in this page. For a treatise, or an instrument type discussed it is sufficient that only a single note of a tuning reaches to the Contra Range in order to be included. Contra Range being synonymous with Contra Octave and the 16 Foot Register as presented in the table below.
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What are the other criteria for inclusion in this listing?
There are four basic parameters that can serve to define a bass instrument: Range, Size, Shape and Function. When a sufficient information on all four of these elements is accessible it is fairly easy to define a type of double bass, an early form of a bass, or an instrument whose study may warrant interest from the point of historical research of bass instruments. The problem however is that in many sources one or few of these elemenst are missing and can only be deduced, thus opening a possibility for different interpretations.
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What are Predecessor instruments?
These are the instruments described in treaises were one or few of the defining parameters from the above classicifaction are missing. Treatises featuring these instruments are still included here as they were at some point considered in sholarship, and threfore remain of interest for the study of bass instrument evolution and heritage.
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What treatises are excluded from this listing?
Treatises that clearly address established period instruments which are not associated double bass lineage, are excluded. The most common of them – and unfortunatley for double bass research – also the most represented in the literature is Viola da Gamba. Thus you will not find here exclusive Viola da Gamba treatises, although an interest in any aspect of their functon that may overlap with contra range and bass function is certainly of interest for bass community. Other period instruments excluded are Tromba Marina, Baryton and Accordo. The unique exception to this rule is a Bass Violin which in some instances reaches by a full tone in the Contra Range and thus by range rule deserves a classification.
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What is a Bass Violin?
Bass Violin is a period bass instrument of a Violin family that was used along the bigger basses from late 16th century to the late 18th century. See Erodi (2008) in Bibliography below.
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What is a Violone?
The term Violone bears many meanings and its interpretation depends very much on the time period and loaction discussed (thus a classification of main index according to Chronological and Geographical division). The core term in its initial 16th century meaning implies a generic string (viol) instrument that had later evolved to mean “Big Viol” of unspecified size. Onward, during the 17th and 18th centuries, it has established itself as a synonym for Contra Range bass instruments in certain regions. Lastly, during the late 18th century it has become a synonimous with contrabasso, or double bass in a moder sense of the word. In the 19th century Violone term represents exclusively a double bass as we know it today. The general Violone definition of the 17th – 18th century however is still subject to many regional variations and should be always referenced in respect to Geographical and Chronological parameters. The complete uderstanding of this term may still require a considerable amount of additional research in order to be fully understood. For further information please consult “Violone” in the Terminology heading below.
Terminology
This chapter will present issues and available historical nomeclature used to describe 16 foot range stringed instruments from 16th to mid 18th century – a time period before our modern understanding of double bass was established. Although the multitude of terms may appear quite daunting to comprehend and classify precisley, the core terminology can easly be classified in several distinct groups based on Instrument Family: Viols or Violins and the Etymology as realted to instrument name, geographic location, function and its size. The following tables present all pertinent sources according these criteria, followed by Instrument Name Index which offers a listing of all instrument name variants noted in the main bibliogrpahy.
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Instrument Families
Please note that online sources do not cover speciffic appearance and definition of Double bass in either a Violin or Viol form, as this subject of interest is still in a process of research and definition. Bass violin here inidicates a period instrument and not a modern bass.
Viol
Bass Violin
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Etymology
Presented are common treatise terms that usually define bass instruments with contra range:
1. The general and universal term which has become synonymous with contra range instrument within certain geographical and time periods: Violone
2. Terminology associated with instrument function: Bass, Contrabass – or as a subfunction with adjective Double
3. Terminology asscoiated with instrument’s (realtive) size: Grosso, Grand
4. Speciffic terminology realted to language and geographic region usually manifested in either the name variants of the previous classes, or realted to generic instrument family names such as Geige (German), Viol (French, Italian and English), Violone (agumentativ of Viol)
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Violone
• Violone – Jackson (2005) [ full citation in Bibliogaphy section below ]
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Instrument Name Idex
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Predecessors
Groß Geigen – Bassus
Violone
Violoni : Basso
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Bass Violins
Baß-Violon
Basse de Violon
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16 foot instruments (Contra Range)
Bass-Geigen
Bass-Violon
Basse-Contre
Basse de Violon
Basse double oder double Basse
Brummende Violone
Contrabaß
Contra-Baß
Contrabasso
Contra Basso
Contrabbasso
Contraviolon
Contrabaß
Contrebasse
Contre-Basse
Controbasso
Double Bass
Double Basse
Grande Basse de Violon
Gar Groß Basß-Viol
Gravitätische und Durchdringende Violone
Grosse Bass oder Violon
Grosse Baßgeige oder Contraviolo
Grossen Violon
Violon
Violone
Violone, Bass Geige
Violone Grande
Violone, Gorsse Bassgeige
Violone Grosso
Violone in Contrabasso
Violono
Bibliography
The following bibliography was used as a primary reference to identify and classify featured treatises with pertinent content on early basses and the emergence of bass instruments with contra register. In every instance where an online link was possible, such was provided. The abbreviated name – year quote precedes the full MLA type citation that is usually followed by the most relevant chapter or table-source of interest for this compilation.
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Erodi (2009)
- Erodi, Gyongy Iren. The sixteenth-century basse de violon: fact or fiction? Identification of the bass violin (1535-1635). M.M. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2009. Online View & Download – UNT
Table of 16th and 17th Century Violin Family Tunings , p. 51 Online View
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Glüxam (2006)
- Glüxam, Dagmar. Instrumentarium Und Instrumentalstil in Der Wiener Hofoper Zwischen 1705 Und 1740. Tutzing: Hans Schneider, 2006.
Chapter 4.1.8. Violone Contrabasso, p. 400
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Jackson (2005)
- Jackson, Roland J. Performance Practice: A Dictionary-Guide for Musicians. New York: Routledge, 2005.
Violone entry, p. 453
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Meier (1979)
- Meier, Adolf. Konzertante Musik Für Kontrabass in Der Wiener Klassik: Mit Beiträgen Zur Geschichte Des Kontrabassbaues in Österreich. 2nd ed. München: Musikverlag E. Katzbichler, 1979.
Table of all early bass and double bass related tunings from 1546 to 1849, p. 30-31
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Nobach (2002)
- Nobach, Christiana. Streichinstrumente. Kassel: Bärenreiter, 2002.
Compilation of articles from “Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart” (MGG).
Violone, p. 310
IV. Die Entwicklung im 18 Jahrhundert, 1. Violone und Violoncello, p. 329
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Planyavsky (1998)
- Planyavsky, Alfred. The Baroque Double Bass Violone. Lanham, Md: Scarecrow Press, 1998. Online View
Table of all treatises featruing G1 – C – F – A – d – g tuning, p. 82 Online View
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Planyavsky (1984)
- Planyavsky, Alfred. Geschichte Des Kontrabasses. Tutzing: H. Schneider, 1984.
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Woodfield (1984)
- Woodfield, Ian. The Early History of the Viol. Cambridge [Cambridgeshire]: Cambridge University Press, 1984. Online View
References to “Contrabasso” as applied to early bass instruments, p. 194-195 Online View
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Multiple authors
- Geschichte, Bauweise Und Spieltechnik Der Tiefen Streichinstrumente. Michaelsteiner Konferenzberichte 64. Blankenburg: Stiftung Kloster Michaelstein, 2004.
Databases
Listed are all databases that hold digitized treatises presented on this page. The main listing commonly presents only a database acronym leading to a page view & download option, while this directory offers complete citation in a form of acronym heading, followed by database name and its home institution. Represented you will find a digitization branches of a big European – American libraries, national aggregating organizations, global digitalization organizations, an individual foundations, and even private digitizing initiatives. As with many other offerings on the internet, their interface will vary from one to the other, as the global standards in this field are yet to be established.
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Biblioteca Digital Hispánica – Biblioteca Nacional de Espana – Digitized Collections of the National Library of Spain in Madrid – Advanced Search
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Bibliothèque Numérique Patrimoniale du Service Commun de la Documentation de l’Université de Strasbourg. A Heritage Digital Library of the Common Service Documentation department of the University of Strasbourg, France – Musicology Page
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Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes – Digitalization service of the Miguel de Servantes Foundation, Madrid – Advanced Search
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Deutsche Fotothek – A digital image repository of the Sächsische Landesbibliothek – Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Dresden (SLUB Dresden) – Info en – Info Wiki
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Digitalisierte Sammlungen der Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin – Digital Collections of the Berlin State Library – Music Scores Listing & Search Page
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European Cultural Heritage Online – An aggregating digital content site hosted by the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin, Germany – Info
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Fondos Digitalizados Univesitad de Sevilla – A digitized collections of the University of Sevilla, Spain – divided to Rare Books – Theses – Image Collection
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Freiburger Historische Bestände – Digital – “Digital Collections Freiburg” portal, hosted by the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany
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Bibliothèque Nationale de France digitalization portal – Info
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Google Books – a book digitalization section of the Google company – Google Books About – Wiki Info
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HathiTrust Digital Library – A digital repository of collections by some of the major research libraries in the United States – Info
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Internet Culturale – Cumulative repository of digital catalogs and collections from libraries in Italy
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International Music Score Library Project – a virtual library of public domain music scores – Info
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A San Francisco-based nonprofit digital library – Advanced Search – Wiki Info
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Münchener DigitalisierungsZentrum – a Munich Digitization Center of the Bavarian State Library, Germany – Simple Search – Advanced Search – Info en
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Manuscripts of Italian Music Theory in Translation (MIMTT) is a database initiated and run by Massimo Redaelli designed to provide English translations of Italian music theory texts preserved in manuscripts dating from the sixteenth century to the present day.
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A digital collection of the Museo Galileo in Florence, Italy – Advanced Search – Info en
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National Library of Scotland – Special Collections of Printed Music – Advanced Search
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Digital Collections of the Sächsische Landesbibliothek – Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Dresden (SLUB Dresden) – Info Dresden Digitization Center (DDZ)
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A collection of digitized prints for the holdings of Heinrich Heine Univeristat -und Landesbibliothek, Digitale Sammlungen, Düsseldorf, Germany – Advanced Search
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An institutional digital repository of the Sibley Music Library at the University of Rochester, US – Info
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Universitätsbibliothek Salzburg – Abteilung für Sondersammlungen | University Library Salzburg – Deaprtment of Special Collections
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Digital Library of the Historical Funds from the Research Library in Olomouc, Czech Republic – Info
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Virtuelles Kupferstichkabinett – Digital collections of the Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum in Braunschweig and the Herzog August Bibliothek in Wolfenbüttel – English Interface
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Univeristy of North Texas Digital Library – a centralized repository of the collections held by the libraries, colleges, schools, and departments at the University of North Texas, Denton, US.
Page Development Assistance
ABP is grateful on any information that may widen the scope of this listing. Should you know of any other dictionary that may fit the criteria of this bibliography, please contact ABP and your effort will be credited here.
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Created by Igor Pecevski
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Posted: April 27, 2016
Academic Bass Portal 
