"The Quinton/ Violin five strings/ Pardessus de viola"
Quinton. A term occasionally applied to the pardessus de viole; see Pardessus A five-string hybrid instrument, in use during the 18th century, that combines characteristics of the viol and the violin. Its body resembles a violin's, save for the sloping shoulders; but it's neck is fretted like a viol's. It was tuned g-d'-a'-d''-g''. Jacques Aubert (1689-1753) composed sonatas (op.4) for the instrument. For information on the derivation of the word "quinton" from the fifth (CINQUIÈME) part in French ensemble music of the 17th century, see C.Sachs: Real-lexikon de Musikinstrumente (1913)
Violin of five strings of Joachim Tielke, Hamburg, ca. 1700:
Only nine instruments as this they exist in the world. One is a very special instrument, that was used in Germany and Austria in S. XVII and XVIII. Composers as Leopold I wrote especially for him. The head in the form of lion, the pegbox decorated with floral reasons and perforated is typical of the work of Tielke.
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Quinton or violin to 5 strings, Louis Guersan, Paris, 1752:
Italian music was put fashionable in France in S. XVIII. As the violin were even considered like too vulgar instrument for hands of a nobleman, it had to invent this small viola gives prawn with a very acute cord - sharpened in sun” - to put the violinístico repertoire within reach of the anxious nobility to touch the Italian new repertoire for the violin. First pardessus of violates had 6 cords, in tune as a viola gives to prawn tenor (g, c', e' or f', a', d”, g”). Later a very astute adjustment arose: pardessus of violates to five cords with the refining much more next to the violin (g, d', a', d”, g”), for which numerous composers dedicated works of considerable difficulties: the Family of Of Caix d'Hervelois, Dollé, Marc, Blainville and Barrière emphasize by the quality of their productions. Pardessus flamenco shows a form of construction of the very peculiar cover: in the form of ceiling. Ostante - or perhaps therefore - does not produce a sound with a dulzura and surprising wealth. The second pardessus of violates comes from one of but best hands of France of half-full of S. XVIII, Louis Guersan, which tens of pardessus besides violins and violonchelos of great value are known. The decoration of our exemplary one in good condition shows clearly its final destination of a noble house. Something little known: the repertoire for pardessus of violates in France is even more extensive than the one of under viola gives prawn.
Thanks for an very informative site! Musicology is a great study for both players of all styles of music and luthiers, respectively. The instruments are beautiful, as well as inspiring. Your post opens questions in my mind as to the various tunings that could be incorporated in the 5 string violin or viola, within reason. Many posts here are very helpful in that respect. It is still a common practice among fiddle players, in general, to utilize cross tunings, with effective acoustical and artistic results.