Violin by Christoph Friedrich Hunger, Leipzig, 1776

Top-quality references authenticate the artisanal and musical quality of this rare historic master violin by Christoph Friedrich Hunger, which carries an inventory number of the highly esteemed atelier of W.E. Hill & Sons in the fingerboard. The instrument was crafted in Leipzig in 1776. With its immediate and powerful response and its large, dark, mellow and sweet resonant sound, the violin can indubitably reach the last row of even large concert halls. Its ability to modulate allows musicians to perform highly sophisticated interpretations which feature the individual character of a balanced voice that has matured for over two centuries. The violin belongs to the later oeuvre of Christoph Friedrich Hunger dating between 1770 and 1780, a period regarded by researchers as his finest epoch. It was during this time that Hunger managed the highly regarded workshop of Johann Christian Hoffmann (1683-1750), who made musical history as a luthier of the Thomas School, a friend of Johann Sebastian Bach and maker of the first viola pomposa. His time at the workshop not only provided Hunger a steady income and excellent working conditions, it also kept him in contact with outstanding musicians. The craftsman details of this instrument articulate the characteristic style of an experienced master; its model with its high table and playfully designed sound holes reflects a very personal touch. The exceptionally mild flames of the maple used for the two-piece back and the interesting lines of the moderately grained spruce top indicate the excellent quality for which Hunger was known even during his lifetime. As a student of the Dresden master Andreas Balthasar Jauch, Christoph Friedrich Hunger belonged to a line of traditional Saxonian violin making which followed in the footsteps of classic Italian masters from early on. Seen in this light, the violin presented here is even more interesting, since it combines the striking stylistic features of German violin making with the powerful voice of the Stradivari model. It made its way to us in good condition and has undergone minor repairs that are typical for an instrument of its age. A closer look at the areas in which it has been treated such as the very carefully bushed peg box and the graft reflect that the violin has been played frequently and handled well throughout its lifetime. Our atelier for professional restoration went over the violin thoroughly, made it ready to play, and can confirm the reliable state of this rarity in musical history. We recommend it as the the perfect instrumental partner for sophisticated musicians. This violin has been recommended by a professional violinist of a major Munich professional orchestra.

 

 

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