Viola da Gamba

Viola da Gamba, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I went to a house concert - on the programme was music for two viola da gambas played by Les Voix Humaines. What a treat to hear music in an intimate setting! We were treated to pieces by Marin Marais, Sainte-Colombe, Couperin, Corrette and Lebègue - music which in turn invigorated, inspired, touched the soul and made one smile. This duo has been playing together for more than 25 years and the communication between them and blending of their sound and their musical ideas is perfect.

For the uninitiated, this may look like a cello but there are many differences. Like the better known violin family, viola da gambas come in different sizes. However, the shape is slightly different. All viola da gambas are played held on or between the legs (gamba - leg in Italian). They have frets which can be moved slightly to alter the tuning. They usually have 6 strings, though this is not always the case.. The one above has 6, the one below has 7 - an addition that was made to some French viols to add a lower note. Strings are made of gut, which require more frequent tuning as they are more prone to stretching and slipping than metal strings.



You can see that the bow is held underhanded. Many viola da gambas have beautifully carved heads. Here is a closeup of the head on the top gamba.



It represents Charles I of England (he who lost his head). It is a historic viol made by Barak Norman in the late 1600s. Learn more about the viola da gamba from the site of Les Voix Humaines.

Fun in the Fountain

Fun in the Fountain, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

You know summer is on its way when... Water play - on a hot day there is nothing like splashing in water - in a fountain, under a spray, jumping over a sprinkler, or best of all in a Laurentian lake. Pure joy!

Columbine

Columbine, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I never tire of taking photographs of flowers - those in my garden or those growing wild. The detail, the structures fascinate me. The columbines dazzle with their spiky, comet-like tails and flashy centres. How could any passing pollinating insect resist the allure!

Doors

Doors, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I love the variety of doors found in Montreal. All these were found within two blocks of each other. They have character, unlike the ubiquitous aluminum doors that go on many newer homes. Each is unique; each speaks of a time when craftsmanship was valued.

Barn and Silo

Barn and Silo, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: June 4, 2011

Bicycling through the countryside, we passed farms with freshly planted rows of corn. The smell of manure wafted over the road as we passed newly fertilized fields. We city dwellers were conscious of odours. Perhaps the farmers are oblivious as we are to the smoggy smells of the city.

Unique in the Ordinary

Unique in the Ordinary, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: May 31, 2011

I love to see a bit of creative flair. These homes probably date from early in the last century. These brightly painted balconies give them each a little individuality - a bright spot on a city street.

Herbs

Herbs, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Finally sunshine, finally planting. I couldn't resist buying this container full of herbs. Summer is salad time. These will find their way into food adding brightness to the flavours and pleasure to the consumers!