What is a viol?
Q: What is a viol?
A: A viol is a string instrument that is played with a bow.
Q: When was the viol popular?
A: The viol was popular from the 15th to the 18th century.
Q: How are small viols held?
A: Small viols are held on the lap.
Q: How are larger viols held?
A: Larger viols are held between the knees, which gave them the name of "viol da gamba".
Q: How is the bow held when playing the viol?
A: The bow is held with the palm of the hand facing upwards, the other way round from today's bowhold for violins, violas or cellos.
Q: What is the meaning of "viol da gamba"?
A: "Viol da gamba" means a leg viol.
Q: Why did the viols become less important?
A: The viols became less important when the violin family became popular in the 17th century and people started to go to concerts in large concert halls, and to operas.
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