Life After Death The Viola Da Gamba in Britain from Purcell to Dolmetsch

(O)utstanding research (...) a valuable reference book that I will no doubt consult again and again. EIGHTEENTH CENTURY MUSIC (A) fascinating study that has significantly enlightened the dark ages of a much loved instrument. MUSIC & LETTERS (Eine) spannenede und extreme informative Abhandlung. VIOLA DA GAMBA This is a book not only for those interested in the viola da gamba but also in musical social history in Britain from the 17th to the end of the 19th century. It is rich in scholarly detail and is entertaining to read. STRINGENDO (B)eautifully presented and Holman's lucid and elegant prose is a joy to read. (...) This is a book suitable for players and scholars alike, which makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the viol; I recommend it wholeheartedly. EARLY MUSIC (This) volume draws on a truly vast range of documentation (...) and is written in an unpretentious, descriptive prose (...) the coverage is impressive and its result will be of use in many connections: indeed a reference work. MUSICAL TIMES There are so many new insights into the life of the viol in this book (...) that the reader is put on a steep learning curve and sent on a truly fascinating journey through the centuries. (...) it can easily be used as a reference book by delving into the sub-chapters or consulting the very comprehensive index, or be read like an exciting novel. THE CONSORT No one better could have written this book, which is superb. (...) Applying to the task his extensive research, close acquaintance with the instruments and their music, stellar command of the literature, and lively narrative, Holman demonstrates the extent to which viol playing in Britain survived. CHOICE Holman has the knack of finding interesting information and writing interestingly about it. (...) It is a book to dip into. EARLY MUSIC REVIEW