Description
A superb contemporary baroque violin after Jacob Stainer
Jonathan Hill is an outstanding maker, who has found his passion in making viola d’amore. Without exaggeration, some of his work rivals the finest examples from the eighteenth century, whilst he is incredibly receptive to how the instrument can be brought into the worlds of contemporary music. His work can be found here. I’ve been lucky to know Jonathan since he began to make instruments, and to follow his career. He has made just a few baroque violins, of which this is an example: Typical of his work, it is a personal take on an idea, so although it takes Jacob Stainer as it’s influence it is reminiscent to me of makers such as the Salzburg based Andreas Ferdinand Mayr and Johann Paul Schorn in the first generation that emulated and in some respects had the ambition to exceed Stainer’s reputation. The beautifully carved lion’s head has a bit more in keeping with the instruments made by Matias Albani in Bolzano. In his own words: “I base all of my designs on historical examples, taking inspiration from far and wide. I am continually surprised at how contemporary the results can be”. The result is a violin that I can interpret a wholly convincing representation of the best qualities of Tyrolese making from the period around 1700 during which Stainer was the principle influence, and of the sort that dominated violin making of the German speaking lands in the eighteenth century.
As a baroque violin: The violin is superb, with a very well considered setup that is similar to those found on Stainer’s instruments that survive in original condition, so it is effectively the ideal baroque violin with an intelligent historically credible setup. It has already enjoyed a professional career and is looking for a new owner. There is a little shading to the varnish which gives it a very good look. The carved head and the tasteful snakewood fittings create a lovely visual impact, as does the birds-eye maple back.
Certificate: Benjamin Hebbert
Condition notes: The instrument is in an excellent state of preservation.
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