Master violin by Joseph Kantuscher. Mittenwald, 1973 op. 308

This master violin op. 308 by Joseph Kantuscher is an instrument with a provenance so remarkable that it actually needs no further recommendation. Kantuscher was one of the world's most sought-after luthiers of his day, especially amongst professional musicians, since his entire oeuvre consists of exclusive special commissions of the finest quality. The superior elegance and expressiveness of this fine violin made in 1973 are apparent at first glance and embody the art of a mature master who spent nearly twenty years working independently to fulfil commissions for the most demanding of clients. At the time this piece was crafted, he was at the zenith of his ingenuity and creativity. It is a worthy example of the unparalleled steadfastness which defined Kantuscher's career all the way from his final project as a master in training in 1948 to his very last instrument, viola op. 695, which he produced in 2013 – a quality standard that even excellent soloists were willing to wait years for. His distinctive model, in which he united the finest features of several major violin making traditions, finds its richest expression in this violin of top-tier tone woods from the Karwendel mountains. Kantuscher selected finely to moderately grained moonwood spruce for the top and used powerfully flamed maple for the two-piece back; its unusually lovely grain is highlighted by a soft and luminous orange-brown oil varnish. Our professional experts applied the greatest respect as they set up this unique and perfectly preserved instrument and made it ready to play. Individual spots of mild crackling enhance the individuality of this violin with its large personality; its radiantly clear, singing voice full of timbre is unmistakable as a true Kantuscher original and still proudly bears the label he placed inside it.