
W H A T I S
A C H E S T O F V I O L S ?
The term 'Chest of Viols' is explained in Thomas Mace's treatise Musick’s Monument, 1676.
Mace gives an accurate description of six instruments
(2 Treble-, 2 Tenor- and 2 Bass Viols) perfectly fitted to each other in proportion, construction manner & building materials. These mating instruments were stored in a cupboard or 'chest', hence the term 'Chest of Viols’.
O U R P R O J E C T
The luthier Francisco Pecchia agreed with “The Chest of Viols’ Association” & the members of the ensemble “The Little Light Consort” to build such a Chest of Viols. After an intensive research on historically informed viol making, Francisco will build our 6 instruments taking as reference a viol made by H. Jaye in Southwark, 1618.
As Mace writes: "Of such, there are no better in the world than those of […] Jay […].”.
Playing a proper set of assorted instruments instead of a 'patchwork' of different models would not only be a step further regarding historicity. It would above all enhance the quality of our musical performances in terms of homogeneity of sound, volume & intonation. These parameters are crucial to unveil the beauty of consort music in live concerts as well as in recordings and thus share our passion & experience of that repertoire.
S U P P O R T U S
To purchase the 6 instruments, The Little Light Consort in collaboration with The Chest of Viols' Association
needs 60 000 CHF & additional costs for bows & cases.
If you wish to support us in this adventure,
we would be happy to hear from you:
littlelightconsort@gmail.com / chestofviols@gmail.com
Direct contributions can also be made
to the bank account of:
“The Chest of Viols’ Association”
IBAN: CH87 0900 0000 1553 9587 8
BIC: POFICHBEXXX
