Louis de Caix D'Hervelois

An independent French composer who lived by the support of patrons. As a bass violist, Caix composed pieces for his instrument maintaining a melodic finesse not usually attributed to this instrument. The best compositional format for Caix was the dance (he did not seem to be able to sustain his musical abilities through any extensive structures); however, he did compose one and two part pieces for the bass viol and made attempts composing sonatas and suites. Caix demonstrated an imaginative melodic ability combined with a keen sense of virtuosity in his music. His performances upon the instrument were superb. ~ Keith Johnson