Viola by Paul Harrild, Newark, 1983
This viola has now sold.
About Paul Harrild
Harrild´s instruments are much sought-after by musicians for their excellent sound and brilliant workmanship. Based in Newark-on-Trent, the place which could be considered the current `home´ of British violin making, Harrild also teaches at the prestigious Newark School of Violin Making. His instruments can be found in a number of orchestras across Britain and beyond.
About the viola
The viola was made in October 1983 and is modelled after the instruments of Guarneri del Gesù. Interestingly, there are no known examples of violas by this maker: this instrument is instead Harrild´s own interpretation of what a del Gesù viola would look like.
The viola has a one piece back of lightly figured, slab cut maple, the figuration descending slightly from right to left. The front is two pieces of straight-grained spruce and the varnish has an almost Venetian character, being a rich red-brown colour laid over a golden ground.
The viola has a length of back of 417 mm or 16 and 1/2 inches.
How does it sound?
The viola has a fine tenor quality to the sound, projecting extremely well without losing any richness of tone. The generous length of back gives it power and depth without having to strain. Violins by del Gesù are characterised by their rich bottom end and brilliant projection: it is fair to say that this viola shares these qualities.
Condition
The viola is in excellent original condition.