Anyone can appreciate the incredible command and craft that a world-renowned violinist displays. But embodied in this charismatic performance is the concealed art of instrument making and repair.
In a word, violinmakers are unsung heroes of the classical world.
The ancient art of violinmaking and repair has an innate reverence for the past. Many of the world’s most mythic violins date back to the 18th century or earlier. The legendary Cremonese schools are the stuff of legend: Guarneri, Stradivari, Amati.
Today, Chicago is one of the worldwide hubs for lutherie. With all this stellar work happening in WFMT’s backyard, we scouted several key repair shops in and around the city.
It was a joy and privilege to meet the team at A440 Violin Shop in Chicago’s Roscoe Village. They kindly let us sit in on artisan Sam Kunkel’s three-day transformation.
Watch as Sam resurrects a dilapidated instrument to its spellbinding former glory. Enjoy a rare look behind the scenes at the wondrous work that goes into making music.
Response to “Lutherie artistry: Derelict violin brought back”
[…] Update 8/5/24: Enjoy the final video at this link — I hope you find this incredible craft as awe-inspiring as I d… […]