A Company of Violins – Birth of a New Instrument Family

Only at the beginning of the 16th century was the family of violin instruments born in Italy. But what a lasting success: in their form and construction, the violin, viola and cello, which are so important in the modern orchestra, still retain similarities to their forebears of the Renaissance.

On their travels to England, Northern Italian and Flemish musicians brought these new instruments to the courts of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. What repertoire did they play and how did the so-called “violin band” develop there? ReRenaissance dedicates an entire concert to the fascinating historical ensemble once known as a “company of violins”.

Free entry; donations at the door

---

Maya Webne-Behrman – treble violin

Mischa Dobruschkin, Marguerite Wasserman – alto violins

Johannes Frisch – tenor violin

Caroline Ritchie – bass violin; direction

Barfüsserkirche
Historical Museum Basel