Exactly what was the violone and what music did it play?

There are several different instruments that have historically been called by the name "violone".

The violone was the last member of the viol family to die out.

The violone is sometimes a fretted instrument, and may have six, five, four, or even only three strings.

Late in the 18th century, a 3-string violone (called contrabasso by then) became an alternative to the 4-string variety.

The violone is also not always a contrabass instrument.

As the name 'violone' really means (see below), truly, these are all large string instruments.

For the basso continuo, separate violone and organ parts are provided.

The violone was popular as a bass instrument.

It was sometimes more specifically called violone da braccio.

The name cello is a contraction of the Italian violoncello, which means "little violone".

Eventually the violone was no longer used, and the double bass was used instead.

These are stops like the violone and gamba.

The term violone is sometimes used to refer to the modern double bass, but most often nowadays implies a period instrument.

The double bass, then often referred to as the Violone used different tunings from region to region.

The biggest viol is called the violone.

Since it was smaller than a violone but performed its musical role, it assumed the name violoncello.

It does come in smaller sizes, although the shape originated from its 16th century cousin the violone with flat back and arched shoulders.

His instrument was the violone (or bass viol).

Bach used the violone in his cantatas.

The wooden Pedal Violone is a survivor from the previous Taylor organ.

He says that "most likely its first general shape was that of a violone, the largest member of the viol family."

It is sometimes confusingly called the violone, bass violin or bass viol.

In organs "Violone" is the name given to a soft organ stop made of metal or wood, usually in the pedals.

Roman's only work published during his lifetime, a collection of 12 sonatas for flute, violone and harpsichord, appeared in 1727.