Viola d'Amore 18th century

Editor: This beautiful piece is an 18th-century Viola d'Amore crafted by Joseph Gagliano, residing here at the Met. It’s fascinating to look at a musical instrument displayed like a sculpture. What can you tell me about its social context? Curator: Certainly! The Viola d'Amore emerged in the Baroque era, a period known for its opulent style. We have to consider not only how these instruments sound, but what they represent socially. A piece like this spoke to elevated cultural tastes and, perhaps even more importantly, wealth. Do you notice anything unique about its construction compared to, say, a modern violin? Editor: Yes! The number of strings is really striking, way more than a typical violin or viola. Curator: Exactly. The extra strings are what are called sympathetic strings and vibrate in resonance. This gives the instrument a very distinctive timbre and what must have sounded like almost ethereal effect to listeners of the time. And if we consider where such a piece would be performed – in courtly settings, accompanying theatrical productions – how do you think the image of a musician playing something this ornate contributes to the whole scene? Editor: It suggests a cultivated audience, a society that prized not only music but also the visual spectacle of the performance. It highlights the performer’s status. Curator: Precisely! Gagliano wasn't just making an instrument; he was crafting a symbol. It tells us about the relationship between art, music, and social class. Are musical instruments viewed with that same prestige today? Editor: Probably not to the same degree, which really helps to highlight the difference between then and now. This makes me wonder how modern musical instruments on display in a museum might be received by future generations. Curator: That's an excellent question, one we should be asking ourselves constantly. Today’s musical instrument tells an entirely new story about technological advancement and digital music. The history behind a piece can open new avenues for interpreting musical artistry and our current cultural values.