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Violin by Alexander Murdoch, Aberdeen, circa 1870
This violin has now sold.
About Alexander Murdoch
Alexander Murdoch was born in Aberdeenshire in 1815 and was the son of a farm labourer. He was largely self-taught and produced instruments which show some influence from the early Aberdeen makers such as Robert Duncan and Joseph Ruddiman. It is possible that Murdoch completed some training with the Aberdeen maker Thomas Jamieson: their work shares many characteristics, most notably arching which begins relatively late and then rises sharply to the middle of the instrument.
Murdoch and some of his contemporaries are interesting for their rejection of classical styles in favour of a more local look: this fascinating refusal to produce fashionable instruments similar to the European workshop imports ensured that the Aberdeen school remained distinct and characterful in an era of standardisation and mass production.
About this violin
This charming Scottish violin was made around 1870, by which time Murdoch was established in his own workshop in Aberdeen. It is a personal model, loosely inspired by the earlier Aberdeen makers.
The violin has a two piece maple back with the ribs and head of similar wood. The front is two pieces of straight-grained local pine, widening towards the flanks. The varnish is golden brown in colour, indicative of Murdoch´s higher-quality work.
The violin has a length of back of is 357 mm.
How does it sound?
This violin has the crisp articulation necessary for traditional playing, as well as a bright and cheerful tone. It seems to suit a relatively light, fast bow stroke.
Condition
The violin is in excellent condition. It is branded A. Murdoch internally several times.