Guarneri Violin 17??

[@lemarcoX]

every musicians i heard or watched when reviewing these old instruments, they always danced around the negatives of the violin and never directly address their critiques, she doesn't do that here. shes direct and its a breath of fresh air.

[@sinebar]

I can't get enough of this girl's videos.

[@mauricioespinosa8251]

I personally love and enjoy these videos to the max!!! Carry on please......

[@ArakakiCC]

I love this series, please keep posting more of these videos!

[@kevinvanhove5834]

god what a dream to see a violin like this, let alone hold and play it. Hope one day I can afford a beautiful antique myself.

[@colingeorgeh]

Thank you for sharing your talents and knowledge.

[@parkerfilms1]

Another wonderful piece. Watching you play and evaluate these instruments is like watching a brilliant painter evaluate a sunset. some are spectacular, but all are wonderful.

[@KorKhan89]

Loving these videos. Can definitely recommend the Chimei museum to anyone visiting Taiwan. It’s criminally ignored by English language guidebooks. When I visited there over CNY, I think I was the only Westerner in the building.

[@mechanicaldidgeridoo5741]

My opinion? A lovely instrument! Beautiful sound! Thank you for all your "instrument review" videos.

[@taztherocker1]

Just recently discovered this channel. Love it!

[@aTonalHits]

Thanks for tuning in! Plenty more videos to come! :)

[@cmaggiano]

This series is fantastic, thank you!

[@Santhosh-jn2xw]

Baby "Baltic" del Gesu going thru puberty....but you make it breath beautifully! much love from Dallas.

[@masael255]

I try to listen to all of these videos on the same setup so I can properly compare the violin's sounds. This violin, does have a really nice sound but I think the sound just kinda doesn't carry and falls flat. I don't think it's the acoustics or anything of the room but just the instrument just doesn't have the same carrying ability. I think that's why it's nice but underwhelming (when compared to some of the other instruments you've tried, that is) Thank you for continuing to put these videos out during this time of quarantine. It's one more nugget of joy to look forward to. :)

[@OriginalJramion]

Your comment about the acoustics jogged my memory from a video I watched yesterday on another violin she reviewed. The room/area/venue in which she is reviewing this violin may not do it justice. I thought the violin sounded outstanding. I believe room acoustics, and the way someone plays the instrument, will make a huge difference in its tone. NOTE: I am not an avid fan of classical music. I like and listen to all kinds of music, but I prefer Heavy Metal. I give this info to inform that I am not in any way even someone that can truly judge the differences in the way violins sound...a guitar would be more of my expertise. I do own and listen to some classical CDs and vinyl albums.

[@pgm3]

With respect to Mr KokHan89, indeed, I'd never even heard of the Chimei Collection before Illya and Katha made their vids there. Thank you guys, yet again! It seems to me that aside from Illya being a fascinating composer, a first-rate convert pianist, and a Kubrickian cinematographer (ok, what division of the Vulcan Academy do you go to get *that*resume?) what is really fun about this channel is that Katha can precisely find the essential soul of a given fiddle in the time it takes to shoot the presentation. Here, she takes an early-18th century instrument built by a master, and discovers quickly that it is a good working ensemble instrument, not anything, frankly, special. And then she plays it so well that we can *hear* that assessment at work. (It's interesting that an instrument that is *not* a masterpiece has survived so long and so well.) It leaves us wanting more, yes, but I know there's a lot of violins to try there, and around the world. Absolutely compelling stuff.

[@lostpoem1725]

Wonderful to hear these played, keep up the good work!

[@masterchief586]

Hard to say, but they do sound alike. Wonderful my fav violin makers.

[@henrypagan6657]

Thanks for your videos

[@stuffedanimalgangNATION]

I think I’ve met that one when I was in either junior high or high school! I forget when lol, but it’s a really lovely instrument and responds wonderfully 😊 It has a really robust, clear tone and resonance! Your playing is actually like a much stronger robust variation of mine but with like real stage presence lololol!

[@MrJamescord]

What city/ country are you headquartered out of? And how do you get some many wonderful violins to report on? Glad that you get to play them and teach us! Keep up the good work!

[@aTonalHits]

We're based in Brooklyn, but this collection that we've been reviewing is in Taiwan. (Helps that I'm half Taiwanese! :) ). Thanks for tuning in, there will be more to come!

[@leftymadrid]

My experience is not up to par of course, but hearing you play a violin is like a breeze from heaven :-) Stay safe!

[@aTonalHits]

Thanks for tuning in! You stay safe too :)

[@boogiewoogie9770]

It sounds very fine in the recording.

[@markmanriquez3208]

Stoked . Thanks !!!

[@odilebeltran8462]

A mon avis David Garrett est un spécialiste de ce genre de violon..il a créé un compte sur internet ou il nous donne toutes sortes d'informations sur ces violons si précieux pour lui...notamment du sien un "Baltic"...merci pour votre vidéo.❤❤❤

[@kiwiviolin941]

Hi Katha, subscribed to this channel. Huge thanks to you for bringing out a series like this dedicated to violins and their history. Huge shout out to Chimei museum for making this possible for you and for the rest of the voilin lovers out in the world. a few suggestions - Please do remind them that these are musical instruments and not a work of art that needs to be kept in a cage, it needs to be in the hands of a virtuoso. The reason i say that is because, 5 minutes with each instrument just wont cut it. Please take this as a global request to Chimei that the least they can do is let you have instruments for a good one hour atleast and do only 1 instrument at one time. your sound recording is superb, but please dont do voice over when you are playing, your playing is superb, we wanna be fully immersed in it; its best done with your coffee cup infront of you :) . I believe to fully enjoy the tonal qualities of a superb violin is when individual notes are played (not chords) long and slow with a good vibrato - Thais, Bruchs etc are prime examples. When doing the video, would it be possible to put the camera on a stand so as to avoid camera shake. This is probably the closest majority of voilin lovers in the world would come close to these precious instruments. Last but not least, do a few on some modern instruments as well, maybe even include a few things explained by the Luthier. the planing, thickeness, shape etc etc..violin is possibly the most complex of all instruments to make and the science behind it is breathtaking. once again many thanks for the time and effort you put into making this wonderful series. i would be on the front seat if you did a concert in new zealand :)

[@aTonalHits]

Thank you for watching! I'll certainly take all of this into consideration- we really want to do something with modern luthiers, and were about to start when covid broke out. When things go back to normal, it's at the top of our list! We hope very much one day to come play in New Zealand- not just because that would be awesome, but because New Zealand has been on my bucket list for ages! What a gorgeous country! :)

[@kiwiviolin941]

you are welcome to stay over with my family if you ever come here :) there isnt anything like violins in this world, so complex - most people dont understand /try to understand the science behind it, they just copy works of the old masters..,so many mysteries, one milli meter off and you get a dud instrument and when u get things right, it just comes alive.colour of the instrument is also facinating, some strads show a variety of colours at the back...interestingly enough bows are equally interesting, not all bows would sound good on a particular instrument, they need to be in sync of some sorts. wouldnt mind if you touchbase on that on a few videos as well. once again, job very well done.

[@picksalot1]

The violin does have a nice tone, and is well-balance. You summed it up perfectly, and even used the word I was going to write "unremarkable." Maybe it would respond better to a bow that is capable of drawing forth a more robust sound. Regarding the illegible label, simply using a different colored light, or "reverse contrast" feature found on many smartphone Light/Magnify Apps can make things easier to read. Thanks

[@aTonalHits]

I am definitely going to try this next time!! Thanks for the tip!

[@AlexRiversMusic]

Heaven ❤️

[@DevilViolinist]

A Del Gesu? The f holes are wild and looks like his later work 1744 - I don't think he made anything beyond that. He experimented wildly around 1740 so that rules out 1737 I would say. Is it the Ole Bull violin? If not, he made a twin!

[@aTonalHits]

Good guess, as I mentioned to another commenter! I know, the f holes are really out there- but I do see some of Peter of Mantua's work looking like that, and it is definitely not the Ole Bull, or a del Gesu. You'll hear that later- the sound is completely different!

[@DevilViolinist]

@@aTonalHits I'm stunned. I still can't accept that this is a Peter of Mantua violin because it looks absolutely nothing like his other work. I respect that you have the violin in your hands there and perhaps you can see things that I can't, and have provenance of the instrument, but from what I've learned: labels alone can't tell you what a violin is because they are sometimes lifted and swapped around in violins etc for some (often dodgy) reasons. The sound too is very beefy and velvety so it reminded me of a delicate Del Gesu, one that didn't really pack a punch but was still rather loud. When I look at Peter of Mantua's work he has used such classical elements like very round mould designs and soft round f holes that remind me of Andrea Amati. I can't see how a maker would deviate so much from his classical style even if he was experimenting. It would be like finding a Strad with wickedly pointed f holes and a horrendously asymmetric scroll and a back made from beechwood. I'm a luthier but have only seen a select few great instruments up close, the rest are all from life-size posters in books that cost a couple of thousand dollars ! I guess what I'm saying is that I wouldn't ever have thought to attribute this to Peter Guarneri of Mantua based on the sound and style and the greater portion of his work that I've already seen where the violins look very very very similar despite having their differences. Perhaps there's a gap in my knowledge and I don't claim to be an expert like Leonhard or Hargrave or Zygmuntowicz, but I just find this violin particularly odd in terms of where it seems to have come from. It is beautiful though, no doubt about that! Truly a great violin! Please forgive me if I sound out of line, I'm not meaning to be rude with my thoughts expressed above.

[@aTonalHits]

@@DevilViolinist No offense taken at all! Please don't apologize- half the reason we do these videos is to start conversations like this! I know, the f holes are throwing me off too. But I know for a certainty that it's not a del Gesu, namely because all the del Gesu's in the collection were already accounted for. Which left only a few options: Andrea Guarneris, which don't match the timeline, a filius andreae that I already did, and two Peter of Mantuas. This one matched more according to the records... but, you know, I could be wrong! Anyway, it's great to hear and learn more about all of these technical things, like the scrollwork etc.- rather than just going by the feel in my hands, and the tone and sound quality. Thanks for putting so much thought into it! :)

[@jenvogue5005]

@@DevilViolinist I totally agree, it looked so much like the Ole Bull. I've played on Pietro di Mantua one and all the other ones I have seen pictures of, including the Fulton collection one, definitely look classical and nothing like this at all.

[@DevilViolinist]

@@jenvogue5005 I found an archived detailed photo that matches this Del Gesu violin exactly. I am talking each individual stripe in the maple of the ribs, grain direction, dents that have happened over a few hundred years, contours and arching, and f-hole measurements. It is the Ole Bull of 1744. I think I may even do a comparison video if people still argue that this violin is not.

[@victorvalentino5872]

It’s good enough for me

[@brucejoseph8367]

A lovely instrument, though you don't seem that impressed by it. I hope you don't mind me asking but If you could afford to buy any violin, which one would you choose out of all the ones you've tried? Thanks for another very interesting video.

[@aTonalHits]

A good question! Of the instruments I've shown so far... I think the 1713 Strad, despite all the cliches. That instrument just lights up in your hand. Or the da Salo; it's a close thing!

[@patriciajrs46]

I think it sounds quite nice. It seems that you play quick, hyper-expressive music in an effort to get its power. My opinion , though not educated, is that it doesn't need a heavy hand to make it sound good. Its voice is melodic and sonorous on its own. Play Laura's Theme and I believe it will sound just fine. I could be wrong.

[@tomsaxton970]

I enjoy your videos. I am an amateur luthier and a cellist. I am interested in the cello I see behind you. Do you know anything about it? Maybe you have some cellist friend that you can have evaluate cellos while you do violins and include that. I would love it as would many cellists. Thank you!

[@aTonalHits]

Thanks for watching! Funny thing is we actually do have some footage of that cello- my friend, who is a composer, plays cello but is very embarrassed by the footage because he doesn't practice that much! I wonder if that's still useful at all? And if not, we will have to find a cellist to come with us next time!

[@tomsaxton970]

@@aTonalHits do you know the maker? Thank you for responding.

[@ksychess]

Simplemente lindo!!!

[@DouglasMosley759]

Less than 50 remaining? Were his violins ever known to be marked on the back with an embossed name and date? My grandfather gave me his violin in 1969. There’s no paper label visible inside but it has a name in all caps on the back, at the base of the neck: “PETER GUARNERIUS - ANNO 1712”. I have a letter from my grandfather describing its origin story. It’s traceable back to the early 1800s when it was purchased from a pawn shop in London, UK. The tone is incredibly beautiful and sonorous. I love playing it although I prefer to play the guitar.

[@ajmaltaujoo4277]

Sounds like a trade German instrument

[@robertmcguigan4998]

I thought the Chi Mei Foundation bought the Ole Bull Guarnerius violin around 30 years ago, therefore they would know this one isn't the Ole Bull. Regarding Peter of Mantua, the Fulton collection includes a beautiful violin by Peter of Mantua. You can examine it on the DVD made by James Ehnis. I love that violin.

[@debrawhited3035]

So, are you saying that she was playing a COPY of the 'Ole Bull'? As a newcomer, I don't GET why Luthiers make identical copies of historic violins. To me, that is like making copies if paintings. When identified as a copy, it is a tribute, and more affordable, but not the real thing. Even most confusing, and troubling, to me is how often in videos (not just here) the violin will be referred to by the historic name, without specifying "copy." Often I have gotten well into a video before that information is revealed. SMH...

[@bernie57]

another fascinating video! what was the final piece you played ...with the string crossing?

[@aTonalHits]

That was Arvo Pärt's "Fratres". Here is a link to a full video of it- which we posted ages ago! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2O9fJpuqZuMepo

[@luizfilipeviolin]

It doesn't look like a Pietro Guarneri of Mantua... the arching is too flat (minute 7:15). All his violins have high arching, he never built such flat tops. I am quite sure it's not one, even if just from a video. Is there an authenticity certificate? If yes, who wrote it?

[@aTonalHits]

Like I mentioned, I completely put this on myself, since I didn't just ask the curator! But it sort of adds to the fun of it, trying to figure it out, doesn't it? What do you think, if not Peter of Mantua? It's definitely not a del Gesu, and it's similar in tone to filius andreae's work.

[@hiddeb8798]

@@aTonalHits It is del gesu. The 1744 Ole Bull, you can instantly notice it by looking at the quirky f-holes, flat arch and yellow varnish :)

[@crysed7897]

@@hiddeb8798 filius Andrea can also have odd looking f holes. There's a theory that del Gesu's wife used to be a violin maker whose name is Katarina which continued to make violin even after Del Gesu's death in 1744.

[@jenvogue5005]

Yes, when I played a Pietro di Mantua one, I needed to get used the high arching of the violin, it felt so different from playing flatter violins. This does not look like Pietro di Mantua at all!

[@garysimkins2179]

I personally find the sound of this violin lovely and very lilting in it's sound. Though it may not project like some of the other instruments that you have showcased in this series, it is beautiful to behold, and let's face facts. You can make a cigar box with strings sound good. In this case, the first time you drew the bow over the open strings, it spoke with a personality of it's own. The varnish is beautiful as well.

[@ghlscitel6714]

My thoughts: If you don't like it, I would take it.

[@cnt6534]

Its 1744 Ole Bull.

[@ivyssauro123]

damn by this recording I really like how this instrument sounds, how much for this one? :'D

[@aTonalHits]

Haha! If this instrument is a Peter of Mantua, like I think it is, his top auction came in around $340,000. Which actually surprises me! So, if you're willing to shell out for the likes of a house...?? :)

[@ivyssauro123]

@@aTonalHits haha I'll start saving up, nothing like a mediocre instrument for a mediocre player 😌

[@cipheraltura2202]

Looks like the OLE BULL

[@johngeddes7894]

Maybe I went right past the Rugeri; or is it a Ruggieri? I seem to have missed it somehow. Hmmm . . . .

[@catahoulatule7478]

Thank you for another interesting video. Any idea of who might have owned or played this instrument?

[@aTonalHits]

This is what's on record, although I don't recognize any of the names! tarisio.com/cozio-archive/property/?ID=43424

[@catahoulatule7478]

aTonalHits thank you for replying 🙂 I researched the Chimei museum ...it sounds incredible!

[@ShuteBen]

​@@aTonalHits I'm pretty sure this is the "Ole Bull" del Gesù of 1744: those sound-holes are so distinctively bold and rugged. Thanks for the video! I've been wanting to hear the sound of this violin for a long time but couldn't find anything until now :)

[@DevilViolinist]

@@ShuteBen Yeah it must be an error in the archives. What's in the link and what's in the video are two completely different violins :/

[@brucerutter4984]

Lovely violin, both visually and in sonics, but as you point out there is a "something" lacking; some component of the harmonics which is a but suppressed.

[@christokasmetski3667]

It is the One Bul del Gesu from 1744

[@maritzasoto1035]

What was the name of the last piece you played on the Guarneri?

[@aTonalHits]

That is "Fratres" by Arvo Pärt. It's a beautiful piece! Here's an old video we did of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2O9fJpuqZuMepo

[@rcbock15]

If it lacks in any truly remarkable aspects, is it just a well balanced instrument? And is that a bad thing?

[@jerrydavis1475]

Don’t these violins have certificates or documents attributing the maker and date ?

[@aTonalHits]

They do! Technically. The problem is they're so old, and there's been so many fakes made, that it's very difficult to tell which one is which!

[@jerrydavis1475]

@@aTonalHits I understand. Thanks 🙏

[@mingwachu6785]

I think this is 1744 Ole Bull del Gesu

[@aTonalHits]

Good guess! But I promise it's not :)

[@hiddeb8798]

@@aTonalHits Hey, I'm sorry but it actually is. Or its a really good copy :)

[@andrewhu6397]

What is the first piece that you played called?

[@aTonalHits]

The first piece playing in the background is Brahms' 3rd Sonata, 3rd movement- the 1st piece I'm actually playing is Bach's Chaconne from Partita in d minor. Full link to both here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iavcgpt7mb14i6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqjEn4mmhdugpKc

[@denysmcnair302]

This particular Guarneri doesn't compare well with others that I've heard. It lacks lustre and it's tone sounds 'thin'. But as a violinist myself I know that there are so many factors contribute to the sound of a violin.

[@Jack-hy1zq]

studies have been carried out whereby blindfolded virtuoso violinists had to choose between modern violins and Strads....almost as many chose the modern violins as the Strads for sound quality. (easy to find on YT)

[@JazzBear]

It sounds very even. But it doesn’t make me take a deep breath. (If you know what I mean.)

[@baddinosaur1548]

That puck, was that you or the violin?

[@cscscscs8857]

This violin looks a lot like the 1744 Ole Bull del Gesu.

[@aTonalHits]

It might look a lot like it, but I promise you the sound and feel is miles apart! But good sleuthing! :)

[@cscscscs8857]

@@aTonalHits I surprised at how grotesque the f holes look from my angle, I wonder if it suffered the misfortune of having it's f holes messed with in the 19th century?

[@crysed7897]

@@cscscscs8857 I believe some works of filius Andrea are also having odd looking f holes for example the 1689 "quarestani"... It can't be del Gesu in my opinion.

[@jenvogue5005]

@@crysed7897 It does indeed have odd-looking f-holes!

[@gordonw4542]

Hi katha, I was shocked by your honest opinion about the tone of this violin as nothing special for Guarneri . What I was really surprise is that this violin lack of volume. Therefore it is like a Peter Guarneri of Venice volume lack of sound projection which this make it less desirable as a concert violin. Can I request you review a Peregrino di Zanetto Viola . thanks

[@godzillal123321]

I can hear the voice of the instrument I feel the player doesnt feel it in her soul so the voice doesnt come out I respect her video and i did sub Just my 2 cents

[@laurencelance586]

I can hear echos of what I think to be the Guaneri family talent, but I agree while this is a nice instrumen and certainly a treasure of the past, there is none of the brilliance found in the work of his brother del Gesu. It sounds more shallow, and it lacks the deep commanding range and power found in del Gesu's work.

[@blankpallet2435]

IS PAGANINI VIOLIN ABLE TO BE PLAYED AND IS BETTER THAN MOT STRADIVARI, SORRY IF YOU PLAYED IT ALREADY, I JUST SAW THE VIDEO ON PAGANINI VIDEO LOL

[@asherwade]

Well, I hope that even though the δatε may be indecipherable, I just hope that you don’t see underneath the name, ‘Guarneri’ the ωοrδ “model”-! 🤭😉

[@fasullodavvero]

Se un giorno i cinesi dovessero comprare in blocco Cremona non mi stupirei piu di tanto,non potendo replicare gli strumenti che hanno fatto la storia della musica,non gli resta che comprare dove vengono/venivano costruiti... 🤣🤣🤣

[@alamedvav]

Judging between violins is like wine tasters tying to identifiy the really expensive stuff from the $12.99 bottle from the grocery store.

[@tarisiosfever350]

That is a "del Gesú".

[@zzp1]

Before you ever learn to play a Guarneri del Jesu to its full, it will take you months and months before you fully might be capable to put its rea value on. Before that , it is just fied air. I know this by experience!

[@crysed7897]

Filius Andrea? Looking at f holes doesn't seem to be Pietro Mantua or Venice..

[@kliop00023]

No, it is the maker's preference.

[@violatione]

Sometimes you need a bit more time to dance with an instrument in order to draw out its hidden qualities.

[@tjaydagreat]

That 17 is not a date.

[@sandyblond20]

WELL THE LUTHIERS PF TAILPIECES NEED TO MAKE THE BALANCE OF SONORITY OF THE E AND G STRINGS HOLES MORE INTENSE THAN WITH THE D AND A STRING HOLES NEED TO BE PUT CLOSER TOGETHER TO EQUAL SONORITY WITH E AND G STRINGS. ITS NEVER THE VIOLINS. HEIFETZ SAID THAT.

[@ndouglasbjr]

Marry me.... oops. 42 years too late but seriously

[@kliop00023]

What's ur name ME: 2:39 lol

[@marcvilleneuve1889]

Labels do not mean anything...

[@JoelMFlor]

Dispite the great instrument it is, I don't feel that powerful soul that transcends the common instruments.

[@ksychess]

Simplemente lindo!!!