chest of viols: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / SpecializedHistorical / Technical / Academic / Musical
Quick answer
What does “chest of viols” mean?
A set of early stringed instruments (viols) of varying sizes, typically six, stored together in a fitted case.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of early stringed instruments (viols) of varying sizes, typically six, stored together in a fitted case.
A term primarily used in historical music contexts to refer to a consort of viols—instruments popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods—which were often owned, stored, and played as a matched set.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No substantive difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and technical in both variants.
Connotations
Evokes Renaissance/Baroque music, early music ensembles, historical performance practice.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialised historical musicology and early music circles.
Grammar
How to Use “chest of viols” in a Sentence
The [institution] possesses a chest of viols.The music calls for a chest of viols.They performed using a complete chest of viols.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in music history, organology, and historical performance practice literature. E.g., 'The inventory listed a chest of viols among the court's assets.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in early music for a standard set of instruments (often two treble, two tenor, two bass viols) housed together.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chest of viols”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chest of viols”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chest of viols”
- Using 'chest of violins/violas'.
- Interpreting 'chest' as a piece of bedroom furniture.
- Using in modern musical contexts (e.g., 'the orchestra's chest of viols').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A chest of viols refers to a Renaissance/Baroque set of viols (often six instruments), while a string quartet is a modern ensemble of two violins, a viola, and a cello.
In modern description, one might say 'case of viols', but the historical term of art is the fixed phrase 'chest of viols'.
A full chest often contained six instruments: two treble, two tenor, and two bass viols, making a complete consort.
Only by those specialising in historically informed performance of early music. It is not used in mainstream classical or popular music contexts.
A set of early stringed instruments (viols) of varying sizes, typically six, stored together in a fitted case.
Chest of viols is usually historical / technical / academic / musical in register.
Chest of viols: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛst əv ˈvaɪəlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɛst əv ˈvaɪəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a treasure chest, but instead of gold, it holds the golden-toned, old-fashioned string instruments called viols.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR A MUSICAL ENSEMBLE (The case/chest metaphorically contains the potential for harmonious music.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'chest of viols'?