Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, low-pitched string instrument: The term "bass viol" can refer to two distinct but related string instruments, both played with a bow.

     • First Meaning: The largest and lowest-pitched member of the modern violin family, also commonly known as the double bass or contrabass. It is the foundation of the orchestral string section.
     • Second Meaning: The bass member of the historical viol family (a family of Renaissance and Baroque instruments). It is roughly the size and range of a modern cello but has distinct structural features like frets and a flatter back.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The jazz ensemble's rhythm was anchored by the deep, resonant sound of the bass viol. (Here, it refers to the modern double bass).
  • In Baroque music, the bass viol often provided the continuo part, supporting the harmony. (Here, it refers to the historical viol).
  • He specializes in playing the bass viol, performing music from the 17th century on authentic instruments.

Advanced Usage

• The term "bass viol" is often used in historical or early music contexts to specify the viol family instrument and avoid confusion with the modern double bass. In most contemporary contexts (orchestral, jazz, popular music), the instrument is called a double bass, upright bass, or simply bass.

Variants and Related Words

• Double bass (n): The standard modern term for the largest violin-family instrument.
• Contrabass (n): Another formal term for the double bass, emphasizing its very low range.
• Violone (n): A historical term, often synonymous with the bass viol of the viol family, and sometimes considered an ancestor to the double bass.
• Viol (n): The family of fretted, bowed string instruments popular from the Renaissance to Baroque eras, which includes the treble viol, tenor viol, and bass viol.
• Violist (n): A player of the viola (a different instrument). A player of a viol is typically called a viol player.

Synonyms

• (For the modern instrument): Double bass, contrabass, upright bass, string bass.
• (For the historical instrument): Viola da gamba (a term often used interchangeably for bass viol, though technically "viola da gamba" means "viol of the leg," describing how it is held).

Related Phrases

• Bass violist: This term is potentially confusing. It is sometimes used to mean a player of the bass viol (the historical instrument), but it more commonly refers to a player of the viola (the alto instrument in the modern violin family). Clarity is achieved by using "bass viol player" or "double bassist."
• Bass line: The lowest musical part in a piece, which an instrument like the bass viol often plays.

Noun

1. largest and lowest member of the violin family
2. viol that is the bass member of the viol family with approximately the range of the cello