Copy of a viola by Giovanni Paolo Maggini
Posted on | February 25, 2012 | |
This week I finished an instrument modeled after a viola by G.P. Maggini. The original was made in Brescia, Italy, during the early part of the 17th Century. The construction methods I used were similar to the methods my assistant used on her Brescian viola.
The back is carved from one piece of maple. (cut on the slab) The high full arching shape, which is not discernible in the photos, is combined with a deep fluting around the edge. I had good casts of the back and front of the original viola which was a great help in capturing the arching of the original in my copy.
This viola was made for a violist looking for a darker sound than his current instrument. One of the reasons I chose the Maggini viola as my model was because the Brescian violas are renowned for their darker sound. Though the ‘dark Brescian sound’ may be a slight cliche, my copy certainly has the rich and darker sound that I was looking for.
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February 25th, 2012 @ 9:58 am
This is just gorgeous. About how long would the construction and finishing take? I’m sure the wood took years to cure and age, but I’ve always wondered what kind of time you’re looking at here.
A beautiful work of art. The wood looks to be handled with respect, joy, and love, so even before the darker sound is heard, it uplifts us with its artistry. Congratulations!