Robert Barth, Stuttgart, attractive German viola

This old, 1920's viola is a premium German instrument that was based on a beautiful Stradivari model and has a compellingly warm voice full of character. As a piece which unmistakably reflects the craftsman tradition of Saxony, it features the stamp of the Markneukirchen luthier Robert Barth, who moved to Stuttgart in 1878 and established an excellent reputation for himself there, earning the title of a royal supplier to the Württemberg court in 1895. Selected ateliers in Mittenwald und the Vogtland region of Saxony made stringed instruments for his renowned workshop, which remained in business until 1995 and was a well-established part of the music scene in Stuttgart. This viola’s top-quality tone woods and aesthetic artisanry shows that it was made by a well-trained, experienced and confident luthier. Finely-grained spruce of a rare beauty was chosen for the top, whereas the two-piece back is made of heavily flamed maple. Both are effectively accentuated by the transparent luminously golden orange-brown varnish. The petite, attractively antiqued scroll and the purfling in classic Italian style round out the harmonious appearance of the instrument. Its fine, dark viola sound is due in no small part to its perfectly executed moderately high table. After having been set up by the restorers at our atelier, it is now ready to play, and we offer this approximately hundred-year-old viola in perfect, undamaged condition — a distinctive and expertly crafted instrument for good musicians.

 

 

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