User:Kyleoja/Viola Pomposa Draft

The viola pomposa is a bowed five-string instrument similar to a viola that certain pieces from the Baroque period called for. It has a deeper sound than a viola but was played in a similar fashion. Because it disappeared from musical literature after 1770, its design is disputed. However the term viola pomposa was most likely an informal term for a violoncello piccolo. It is unknown why composers stopped using it, yet modern composers have begun to use reconstructed versions.

Design
A viola pomposa has a similar appearance to a tenor viola. It is approximately the same length (30in.) and width (12in.) of a viola but has longer ribs (about 3in. deep). Thus it holds twice as much air as a viola. Instead of four strings, it has five tuned to C3-G3-D4-A4-E5. Its strings are double wound in order to reach the lower octaves. This combination of volume and strings caused it to have a low register, similar to a bassoon.

Such an instrument may have several technical issues.
 * The sound may be distorted by the additional pressure of the fifth string.
 * The fifth string could make it difficult and awkward to play.
 * Its neck and bridge have to be precisely made, allowing little error.
 * Strings have short life spans and require replacement often, especially the E string.

Technique
The precise technique of playing the viola pomposa is unknown. When they called for it, composers did not indicate a particular method, letting the musician chose what was comfortable. It could have been played either resting on the shoulder or across the chest. Therefore the left-hand position would resemble that of a guitar player. Its fingering is similar to that of a viola or a violin.

Beginnings
The viola pomposa was invented some time before 1728. It is uncertain if Johann Christian Hoffmann invented the viola pomposa, but he did make versions of it. Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers during the Baroque period wrote pieces that called for the viola pomposa under various names, such as the violoncello piccolo. Though there are few pieces written specifically for it, the viola pomposa may have been used to play the viola part in other works because it had a similar range. Also, because there is a lack of elementary music, it was most likely limited to well-advanced musicians.

Disappearance
It is uncertain why the viola pomposa nearly disappeared. It has been hypothesized that it was due to its possible mechanical problems. See design section for details.

Modern Appearances
Few viola pomposas remain to be examined or studied. One original made by Hoffmann resides at the University of California, Berkeley. . In recent years many instrument makers have tried to replicate the viola pomposa of the Baroque period. One such instrument maker is Carlos Martins del Picchia of Brazil, who has recreated two viola pomposas. Also it has reappeared in musical works using modern reconstructions.

Musical Literature
Here is a chronological list of known works for the viola pomposa. This table was taken from Paulinyi, Zoltan. “The Viola Pomposa Growing Usage". NO14 Plus Minus: Contemporary Music Journal (online). Octo. 10, 2010. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2011.