Museum of Making Music - The Violin in America

The Violin in America

Overview

Exhibition Overview

Violin and bow making owes its presence in America to the great waves of European immigrants who came to the New World in the 19th and 20th centuries. The new residents brought with them many talents, including a long tradition of fine woodworking and instrument making skills, musical mastery and a rich and diverse repertoire. This exhibition includes rare historic examples of the work of early American masters that directly resulted from these influences. Additionally, stories of luthiers such as John Pfaff, A.W. White, Carl Becker, Mario Frosali, George Gemunder, and Simone Fernando Sacconi illustrate the steady development of the American school from the late 1860s through World War II, and demonstrate the importance of the local violin shop and a master luthier in establishing local traditions in violin and bow making, and in fostering an appreciation of classical music and high quality instruments. Their inspirations—based on classical European models exemplified by the work of Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari—serve as a starting point to showcase the interpretation and reproduction of European traditions on American soil.

A unique aspect of the show is the inclusion of the perhaps lesser known story of innovation in violin design. The Stradivari violin, along with its Amati and Guarneri counterparts, is commonly hailed as a perfect design. These mythic masterpieces, however, have actually gone through many stages of design evolution, spurred by changing tastes in music as well as musical demands of virtuosi. Today, innovations in violin making are driven by working violinists who cope with certain imperfections in their “perfect” vintage instruments.

Cutting edge acoustic and scientific research in instrument building of the last forty years, and an open minded atmosphere created a fertile environment for experimentation with man made materials, sound qualities, and instrument proportions. As an example, “The Violin in America” features the innovative work of Carleen Hutchins whose widely recognized acoustic experiments of the 1960s not only produced instruments of fascinating nature, but also inspired a new generation of innovators. In addition, the show highlights the work of contemporary luthiers who pushed the boundaries of the classical design to expand sonic, aesthetic, and functional qualities of the violin and bow. The exhibition comprises examples of violins and bows constructed by Gregg Alf, Joseph Curtin (2005 recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Award), Guy Rabut, Anthony Lane, Benoît Rolland, Samuel Zygmuntowicz, and others.

“The Violin in America” spotlights the story of the electric violin. It features some of the first electric violins introduced in the 1930s by Lloyd Loar as well as the Electro String Instrument Company (now known as Rickenbacker). The exhibition reveals how these early experiments continue to resonate today in the work of leading acousticians and companies such as Jordan Electric Violins, Ned Steinberger, Mark Wood, Yamaha Corporation’s Band & Orchestral Division, and Zeta Music.

Exhibition Event Calendar

Open Case Days
Did you ever want to open a museum exhibit case and play the instrument on display? Now you can! Beginning in March on the last Monday of each month, the Museum will open its violin exhibit cases to allow professional and amateur musicians, as well as stringed instrument students & teachers the chance to play on a selection of fine acoustic and electric violins from today’s top makers. This opportunity is FREE and available by appointment only.

April 23, 2008: Gregg Alf & Endre Granat - 1 PM & 6:30 PM
From 1 PM to 4PM, master violinmaker Gregg Alf presents a rare one-on-one workshop regarding the art of violinmaking. Luthiers and non-violinmakers alike are encouraged to prepare questions. At 6:30 PM, the Alf along with violinist and USC professor Endre Granat present an insightful program of music and discussion. Sponsored in part by Jade Schultz of Jade Shultz Violins of La Jolla and the Southern California of Violin Makers Association. Ticket for the entire day of events are $15; $12 for Museum members and $7 for students.

May 12, 2008: Yamaha String Educator Development Seminar - 5 PM
The Museum hosts an opportunity for string educators to gain experience with the growing popularity of electronic stringed instruments. Educators can see an actual acoustic quartet transform into a fully electronic ensemble. Technical aspects are discussed in layman’s terms and questions are answered by Yamaha staff and quartet performers. Sound reinforcement requirements, instrument specifications and repertoire are presented in detail. For educators, the end result will be the ability to incorporate an electronic string ensemble into their current programs. This event is scheduled for late spring with more details to follow.

July 26, 2008: Mark Wood Concert & Conversation
On July 26, 2008, at 7 PM, the Museum welcomes Mark Wood, a highly acclaimed international recording artist, rock violinist, composer and instrument innovator who has performed with some of the top artists of today as he presents a look at the modern electric violin and a concert featuring his own creations that have become a symbol of the rock violin revolution.

August 30, 2008: Antonio Pontarelli: From Acoustic to Electric - 5 PM
Antonio Pontarelli picked up a violin at the age of three and started winning competitions by age seven. He was soon playing on national television, and his performance and arrangement of Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” won NBC’s “America’s Most Talented Kids” Grand Championship in November 2004. In 2005, he had the honor of being named the “Outstanding Young Rock Musician” by the Young Artist Awards. Today, Pontarelli focuses on performing with his band and recording his debut CD. He also spends time promoting the GRAMMY organization’s educational programs and bringing music into the lives of those who are less fortunate through the Music Prodigy Foundation, which he founded in 2001.

In this rock-focused, educational demonstration, workshop and concert, Pontarelli introduces guests to the electric violin by showcasing the evolution of sound and music from acoustic to electric. With his electric violins and accompanied by an acoustic/electric guitarist and pianist, Pontarelli compares and contrasts a variety of electric violins from his collection with those from the museum display.

Special Thanks

The exhibition would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters, sponsors and friends across the U.S. Their time, expertise, artifact loans, and donations have helped craft this historic exhibition. Thank you.