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Showing posts from May, 2026

Purcell - Two in One Upon a Ground - Bass Viol & Keyboard


The haunting canonic melody is played by the viol and echoed by the keyboard over a descending "ground" bassline.  From Purcell's tragicomic semi-opera The Prophetess, or The History of Dilclesian (London, 1690). 

Most versions are for two like instruments in canon.  This is a true duo for viola da gamba and keyboard (harpsichord or organ).  
A minor, 3-page keyboard score, 2-page bass viol part
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Gaspar Sanz - Canarios - Bass Viol (Intermediate)


Originally composed for guitar, this lively 6/8-time Spanish piece was inspired by indigenous dance of the Canary Islands.  Gaspar Sanz (c.1640-1710) was a guitarist, composer, and priest who first published this in Instruccion de Musica (Livre 1), 1674.

Two clefs are provided:  Treble-8 and Alto.  For an upper-intermediate bass viol (viola da gamba) player, there are a few optional double stops and a bit of very fun left-hand plucking of open strings!
D major, 2-page bass viol part (2 clefs)
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