Definition of violone in English:

noun

• An early form of double bass, especially a large bass viol.

  Example sentences

  • ‘There are six violins, one viola, two cellos, one ‘violoncello piccolo,’ and one violone.’
  • ‘Further unity is provided by the fact that both composers notate the detailed division of the continuo material with unusual precision, distinguishing the violone from the keyboard and cello continuo.’
  • ‘The performers here, being very good baroque musicians indeed, have deployed a variety of continuo combinations: harpsichord or lute with violone, gamba, double bass or bassoon.’
  • ‘It is written in four-stave systems (the continuo is partially figured) and, interestingly, lacks both a viola part and a separate part for the violone.’
  • ‘Contrary to popular belief his op. 5 sonatas are not solo works but duos for violin and violone, which, like the opp. 2 and 4 dance suites, require no keyboard accompaniment.’