(It.).
A five-string viola, tuned either c–g–d'–a'–e'', i.e. like a regular viola with an additional e'' string, or possibly d–g–d'–g'–c'' as Galpin suggested. It was in use from about 1725 to about 1770 and was played on the arm. Some writers (for example H.C. Koch and J.G. Graun) also called it violino pomposo.
The only surviving music for the instrument comprises two duets for flute and viola pomposa or violin by G.P. Telemann (from Der getreue Music-Meister), a double concerto by J.G. Graun, two sonate da camera by J.G. Janitsch, and a solo sonata with continuo by C.J. Lidarti. The invention of the instrument was erroneously ascribed to J.S. Bach by several late 18th-century writers, apparently because they confused the viola pomposa with the violoncello piccolo which J.C. Hoffmann of Leipzig made for Bach and for which Bach occasionally wrote.
F.T. Arnold: ‘Die Viola pomposa’, ZMw, xiii (1930–31), 141–5 [see also the rejoinders by G. Kinsky (xiii, 325–8 and xiv, 178–9); F.W. Galpin (xiv, 35–8); H. Engel (xiv, 38 only); reply by F.T. Arnold (xvi, 35 only)]
F.W. Galpin: ‘Viola Pomposa and Violoncello Piccolo’, ML, xii (1931), 354–65
H. Husmann: ‘Die Viola pomposa’, BJb 1936, 90–100
W. Schrammek: ‘Viola pomposa und Violoncello piccolo bei Johann Sebastian Bach’, Internationales Bach-Fest III: Leipzig 1975, 345–54
U. Drüner: ‘Violoncello piccolo und Viola pomposa bei Johann Sebastian Bach: zu Fragen von Identität und Spielweise dieser Instrumente’, BJb 1987, 85–112 [summaries in Eng., Fr.]
HOWARD MAYER BROWN/R