Viola da Gamba, From England to Virginia

The viola da gamba was a popular recreational musical instrument in 17th-century England. Its presence in colonial Virginia is documented in a manuscript containing music for the instrument belonging to a Virginia plantation owner dating from 1738. Join the Governor’s Musician Brady Lanier in exploring the musical journey of the viola da gamba from England to colonial Virginia, performed on the newest member of CW’s musical instrument collection, an 18th-century viol.