Composer

:

Tobias Hume

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1607

The Duke of Holstones Delight is a collection of pieces for viola da gamba composed by Tobias Hume in the early 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1605 and 1620. The collection was first published in 1605 and was dedicated to the Duke of Holstone, who was likely a patron of Hume's. The Duke of Holstones Delight consists of 117 pieces, divided into three sections or "movements." The first movement contains 44 pieces, the second contains 38, and the third contains 35. The pieces are generally short, with most lasting only a few minutes. They are written for solo viola da gamba and are characterized by their simplicity and elegance. The pieces in The Duke of Holstones Delight are written in a variety of styles, including pavans, galliards, allemandes, and courantes. They are also written in a variety of keys, with some pieces in major keys and others in minor keys. The pieces are generally slow and contemplative, with a focus on melody and harmony rather than virtuosity. One of the unique features of The Duke of Holstones Delight is the inclusion of several pieces that are written in tablature rather than standard notation. Tablature is a system of notation that indicates which strings and frets should be played on the instrument, rather than indicating specific pitches. This suggests that Hume may have intended the collection for amateur players who were not familiar with standard notation. Overall, The Duke of Holstones Delight is a charming and elegant collection of pieces for viola da gamba. Its simplicity and focus on melody and harmony make it accessible to both amateur and professional players, and its inclusion of tablature suggests that Hume intended it to be enjoyed by a wide audience.

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