Sure string instruments give you more control but at the end of the day, it's only timbre, harmonics and timing (plus the mysterious immeasurable Q factor which I dub musicality). If this gives you the ability to generate more harmonic components through multiple chords and changes the timbre, then it's a valuable device. I mean a cheap analogue monosynth for example has many good qualities and is not short of utility in music.
I'm sure the harp players were just as pissed as you are when they knocked it on its side and added hammers and keys.
OK, there's two big things this instrument lacks - slurring and attack. Also it lacks the ability to control volume as well as a viol (but that's less important IMO). It can only play detache, which isn't really that common for viols.
It's still a neat instrument, but it falls into the uncanny valley a bit - it kind of sounds a bit like a bunch of strings, with very mechanical phrasing.
Of course, you could say the same about organs being mutant cyborg flutes, so I guess there's a place for it.
Sure string instruments give you more control but at the end of the day, it's only timbre, harmonics and timing (plus the mysterious immeasurable Q factor which I dub musicality). If this gives you the ability to generate more harmonic components through multiple chords and changes the timbre, then it's a valuable device. I mean a cheap analogue monosynth for example has many good qualities and is not short of utility in music.
I'm sure the harp players were just as pissed as you are when they knocked it on its side and added hammers and keys.