Viola Pomposa 19th century

Here we have a viola pomposa made by Josef Klee in the 19th century. Note its six strings, adding more tonal possibilities, and creating an instrument that resonates with deeper emotional depths. Consider the instrument’s symbolic ‘S’ holes, which have precursors in ancient lyres where they served acoustic purposes and evoked the curves of the human body. They are reminiscent of the feminine form and suggest ideas of creation, fertility, and artistic inspiration, all interwoven with the physical instrument. The act of playing it involves a dance between the musician and the instrument, drawing forth not just melody, but also tapping into a primal language. Music as catharsis: consider how the viola becomes an extension of the player’s emotional state, channeling sorrow and joy into a collective experience. The instrument, once silent, now speaks of shared human experiences, bridging the gap between the individual and the universal.