Aegidius Klotz, 1764: Fine Mittenwald violin

A rare instrument in excellent condition, this delicate violin was made by the Mittenwald master Aegidius Klotz, as is documented by the original label inside dated 1764. It is a true bit of historic serendipity and offers us an insight into the early work of a master whose creativity and individuality were major contributions to his family’s reputation. Like his older brother Georg Carl Klotz, Aegidius Klotz did not closely follow in his father’s footsteps, i.e. the famous master luthier Sebastian Klotz, whose identity as the true creator of the Klotz violin went unrecognised for generations. Instead, his sons carried on the family violin-making in their own respective styles and with a unique personal mark, which was due not only to their outstanding training but also to the artisanal liberty that Sebastian Klotz gave himself as well. For this violin, Aegidius Klotz designed a model with an unusual silhouette that is unparalleled in the history of his art. Its elongated middle bouts give his instruments a powerful character, and in the course of his four decades as an independent master, he gradually shifted the position of the sound holes. Originally he aligned them exactly along the table, but over time he put them at a distinctive angled line, as can be seen here. The son’s style confidently stands out from that of his father in the scroll, which he carved into expressive artworks of spirited elegance. The two-piece back of carefully selected flamed maple, the magnificently beautiful purfling and the delicate bee-sting all demonstrate the flawless quality of this historic Mittenwald Klotz violin. Its mature, beautifully balanced sound is full of noble character which features a blend of warmth and a sweet flute-like note. At our studio for restoration, our expert luthiers determined that the violin is in tremendous condition and has had only one single minor repair. Even the original varnish is still largely intact, something uncommon amongst instruments of this period. Our specialists have thoroughly set up this violin and made it ready to play – they have prepared it to return to the world of music.

 

 

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