I have been intrigued by this early Stradivari viola for some while; it's a rarity in his output, the only one made to this model, and unusually with a poplar back. I've heard it played by Antoine Tamestit on recording and been blown away by the expressiveness of the sound. During last year's lockdown I was without orders so I had a chance to try making my version of it, and was pleased with the result; the sound had an instant fizz of responsiveness and a rich depth. It found a home almost as … [Read more...]
modern violin maker
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Violas: sizes and proportions
Talk given at Viola Day for Teachers at Chetham's School of Music, Manchester in January 2004. It … Read More...