Violin by Andreas Ferdinand Mayr, Salzburg, circa 1725
This violin has now sold.
About Andreas Ferdinand Mayr
Andreas Ferdinand Mayr was born in Vienna in 1693 and became the luthier to the Archbishop´s court in Salzburg. As was common in the era, Mayr also played in the court orchestra: one of his colleagues there was one Leopold Mozart! As a result of this connection, Mayr is known to history as the maker of the young W.A. Mozart´s childhood violin.
Whilst this small violin is undoubtedly of great importance, Mayr is also an extremely fine maker whose name deserves historical weight of its own. As a member of the early Salzburg school, Mayr pioneered a Stainer model with delicate, Amatese influences.
About the violin
The violin was made in Salzburg between 1720 and 1730. It was known as a very fine Albani for many years and indeed it bears a 1690 Matthias Albanus label which may be authentic, although of course not original to this instrument!
The violin has a one piece back of medium-flamed maple, the figuration descending slightly from right to left. The front is two pieces of uniformly medium-fine grained spruce and the varnish is a rich but translucent red colour, laid over a golden ground. The violin is modelled after the instruments of Jacob Stainer.
The violin has a length of back of 358 mm.
How does it sound?
We are so excited to have this violin for sale, having admired it from afar for many years! It´s fair to say that this violin approaches the ultimate player´s instrument. It´s somehow all at once rich and dark, yet also bright, projecting and responsive.
The E string has a very unusual warmth despite being uncompromising in its power and projection. The violin has a neat and precise character which allows it to sparkle in filigree Classical repertoire, combined with the large heart and power needed for later works. An incredible instrument which compares extremely favourably to Italian instruments of the same age.
Condition
The violin is in extremely good restored condition.
Certification
The violin comes with a 2015 certificate from the renowned German expert Benjamin Schröder.