Instruments

The whole idea of the Early Music movement is to emulate the sound world of the music at the time it was composed. To this end, Angela has acquired a collection of instruments that can be used for different purposes.

Bass viol after Bertrand by Norman Myall 1982

For consorts and for playing the wonderful solos in the Bach Passions. Angela is also very interested in the solo repertoire, as some of it is remarkably virtuosic.

Bass violin after Cristofori by Norman Myall 1987

Used in string bands, such as for Monteverdi, Purcell, Lully and most 17th century repertoire

Baroque cello by Peter Walmsley 1725

This instrument is used for repertoire from the high baroque, 1700 – 1750. It is the instrument used in Red Priest and for much of the continuo work.

Five-stringed cello after Amati by Kai-Thomas Roth 2000

Used for the recording of the Bach Sixth Suite, Bach also wrote a number of Cantatas with parts for this instrument. The use of it is indicated by parts written in higher registers and was possibly used for some music by Haydn and Beethoven.

The tone quality is more viol-like than cello-like.

Classical cello by Lorenzo Ventapane 1828

This instrument is used for music from about 1780. Angela plays with gut strings which are entirely appropriate for music up to the 1960s. She therefore uses this instrument for the Kodaly Solo Sonata.

Bass viol by Norman Myall 1982 after Bertrand

5-stringed cello and baroque cello

Bass Violin by Norman Myall 1987