Turner

Viola da gamba - treble  by William Turner  London, ca. 1650

This is the third treble viol by William Turner in the collection and one of seven English viols of the 17th Century. The head on this treble is nearly identical to the one on the treble from 1647 in this collection (Treble 1), The outline, purfling and inlay decoration is very similar to the treble from 1656, also in the collection (treble 2). Significantly, the rosette is in the form of a compass, instead of the more usual heart-shaped rosette seen on trebles 1 and 2 and on many of his other viols. We are very fortunate to have also a magnificent bass viol by Turner in the collection.

The following is a photographic documentation of the immaculate restauration by Jan Stejskal, Prague, who has brought this significant viol to its original state; an absolutely magnificent and organologically exemplary restoration. We, the players, are very thankful to the dedication of these gifted craftsmen, without whom we would be robbed of the pleasure of performing on these fine old instruments. They play an important role in conserving this part of European historical heritage.
 See also: Orpheon Panorama
Music: Fantasia in F-major for six violas da gamba by Giovanni Coperario
To order a CD: http://festesdethalie.org/formulaireCD.html

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