Workshop: Songs and Dances for the Viol
with Carol Lewis
January 11-12, 2025
During the early modern period, musicians all around Europe sang in choirs (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) and played instruments in “families,” and the viola da gamba family (treble, tenor, bass) is no exception. We’ll do instrumental music, with Italian balletti by Gastoldi, French chansons by Le Jeune and Gervaise, German dances by Praetorius, and frottola-style pieces by Josquin and others. And we’ll be sure to include sone of the great four-part songs by Dowland, all with very singable tunes and danceable rhythms.
About Carol Lewis
Carol Lewis has been called a “zestful and passionate champion” of the viola da gamba. She has frequently demonstrated her musical virtuosity and versatility as a soloist in recitals in the United States and abroad. A former student of Jordi Savall, Carol has toured and recorded with Hespèrion, Boston Camerata, and many other groups. She has taught at Festival dei Saraceni (Pamparato, Italy), Milano Civica Scuola de Musica (Italy), Bunker Hill Community College (MA), Amherst Early Music, Pinewoods Early Music Week, and the annual summer conclave of the Viola da Gamba Society of America. Carol is on the faculty of New England Conservatory of Music. She teaches a viol consort class at Somerville (MA) High School and has been a frequent coach for the Viola da Gamba Society of America-New England. She teaches and coaches privately as well, and she’s the current vice president of the VdGS-NE.
Schedule (both days): 1:00-2:15 pm—Break—2:45-4:00 pm
Location: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 4900 Jackwood St., Houston, TX 77096
Fee: $75 for both days; $40 for one day only. Pay at PayPal.Me/houston viols.