Fine contemporary master violin, Wolfgang Schiele, Munich

This fine contemporary master violin by Wolfgang Schiele, Munich, is an unusually aesthetic and expressive instrument that features a mature and warm sound the likes of which are very rare in a young violin. Wolfgang Schiele acquired valuable experience during his many years of wandering. His journeys brought him to internationally esteemed workshops: from Bodart et Dariel in Besançon, France, to Jerôme Dariel's workshop in Paris, he made his way to P. & W. Moes in New York. He later managed the workshop of the highly influential Peter Biddulph in London for two years. From 1990 onward, he opened his own studio in Munich, where he has made a name for himself through his research about the influence the Golden Ratio has had on the classical geometry of the violin. The historic and long-forgotten principles of the "divine proportions" formed the foundation of his oeuvre, which exclusively comprises instruments that are extremely distinctive personalities. The violin offered here is an excellent example, expressing an independent and very personal interpretation of the Amati model. Its intricate high-quality craftsmanship reflects the high standards to which Wolfgang Schiele holds even the most minor details of his work. Subtle and confidently-crafted antiquing give an unmistakable and attractive character to the golden-brown varnish covering premium tone woods. The moderately-grained spruce of the top and the powerful flames on the maple of the two-piece back were both an excellent choice, both in their visual and acoustic properties. Having been carefully set up at our workshop and made ready to play, this violin is recommended as an appealing discovery for sophisticated amateurs and professional musicians. Both will find a multitude of interpretative opportunities in its warm, gentle, singing bright voice.