If you are an organist, you’ve probably run across an organ stop called “Vox Humana,” which in Latin means “human voice.” According to Wikipedia, “The Vox humana is a short-resonator reed stop on the pipe organ, so named because of its supposed resemblance to the human voice. As a rule, the stop is used with a tremulant, which undulates the wind supply, causing a vibrato effect.”

“The vox humana is a stop of the organ that imitates the human voice. In combination with a tremulant, this approaches the way people used to sing, explains organist Leo van Doeselaar.” You can hear the Vox humana in this video sample by the Netherlands Bach Society.

This week, Early Music Hawaii is hosting Les Voix Humaines, “the human voices” consort of viols, and one of its founding members, Susie Napper, will be my houseguest.

In case you don’t know the difference between viols and modern stringed instruments, I would refer you to the Viola da Gamba Society of America website “About the Viol”:

A viol (which rhymes with ‘smile’) is a bowed, fretted string instrument which typically has six strings. Viols come in many shapes and sizes but all are held vertically between the legs. Hence, the Italians called the instrument ‘viola da gamba,’ literally a ‘leg fiddle’! Whether you say ‘viol,’ ‘viola da gamba,’ or just ‘gamba,’ doesn’t matter. These names all refer to the same instrument.

Viols were developed during the Renaissance and were popular instruments in Europe especially during the Renaissance and Baroque eras. They became rarer during the 19th century before their triumphant revival in the early 20th century when they were enthusiastically embraced by amateur and professional musicians alike. Some viols look similar to cellos but the two families are actually quite distinct. Viols can play all sorts of music, they’re easy to learn and fun to play. 

In 2021 Les Voix humaines (Susie Napper, Mélisande Corriveau and Felix Deak) was joined by Jessy Dubé to take a refreshing look at the huge repertoire for multiple viols. Their unique, controversial ideas offer a new profile to consort playing in which rhythmic freedom and ornamentation play an integral role.

Les Voix humaines Viol Duo performed worldwide for three decades. Their musical complicity was compared to the skill of a pair of trapeze artists or the telepathic communion of jazz musicians. Their many prizes and recordings are the foundation on which a new duo and consort is building a refreshing look at the huge repertoire for multiple viols. Their unique and controversial approach offer a new profile to consort playing in which rhythmic freedom and ornamentation play an integral role.

Here are some examples of the music we’ll hear this coming weekend.

Human voices, indeed! Simply gorgeous and so full of emotion!

Go to the Early Music Hawaii website to purchase tickets. This is a concert not to be missed!