Strange "d.g" notation

Conor Cook

I am a member of both this discussion board and the user-list for LilyPond (an open-source, text-based music engraving software).  A user there submitted the following question, and I thought that perhaps the minds here could provide some insight.

Best,

Conor Cook

Music Director, LaSalle Catholic Parishes, LaSalle, IL

Hello folks,

In the viola score of a Telemann quartet in G minor, I find this notation. Does anyone know what it means?

Thanks for your help!

JM

Karen Bottge

Hi Conor,

 "d.g." means viola di gamba (or cello), which sounds at the octave below. (It appears that "d.g." is missing from measures 70-71!).

Karen

Conor Cook

Dear Karen,

Thank you!  That helps a lot!  I'm still a little confused about why the distinction for viola da gamba.  Is it only meant to be played down an octave if the part is being played by a viola da gamba, but otherwise to be played as written?

~Conor