The sitter was a musical lady who sang and played the cittern, which she holds, and the viola da gamba, the instrument hanging in the background. |
The gamba is almost always too far forward, with the harpsichordist's right hand coming in a close second and the left hand practically out of it. |
He plays not only his usual double bass but also a viola da gamba which strangely matches the moody quality of the Russian tunes. |
Gamba is Italian for leg and so a viola large enough to require support from the legs came to be known as a viola da gamba, or often today just gamba. |
This reminds me very strongly of the energetic string crossing in the op. trio sonatas of Buxtehude for violin, viola da gamba and continuo. |
The young prince was ten years his junior, but enjoyed playing the harpsichord and viola da gamba when politics allowed. |