Paul Knorr, born in 1882, studied violinmaking with Dolling. Working in Berlin and Breslau, he established himself in the Markneukirchen workshop of F & R Enders in 1918. Starting in 1921, Knorr became and independent maker. Attaining mastery of his craft, Knorr was highly respected for wood and material selection. He was also adept at following the patterns, approach, and varnishing techniques of the Cremonese masters.
This particular example of his work dates to 1938. The violin possesses a dark and rich tonal color that has become synonymous with German making from that time period. While this violin is ideally suited for ensemble playing, the projection and presence in the tone also enable it to fill virtually any role necessary for your musical needs. The back is made of a single piece of stunningly flamed maple with perfectly matched ribs and neck. A subtle light brown varnish over a natural ground finishes off this violin by the German master maker.
Paul Knorr Violin, Markneukirchen, 1938
Features
Price: $20,000
Size: 4/4
Tonal Profile:
Country of Origin
The German Violin Making Tradition
As with most industries, the history of German violin making can be traced to the history of Germany itself, with its twists and turns of economic and social trends, influence of outsiders, emergence of new technologies, and access to natural resources and trade routes. Long-standing German traditions of high quality, efficient production processes and savvy evaluation of and response to market demands, combined to create a unique industry, with today's markets continuing to rely on the quality instruments produced in Germany long ago.
Markneukirchen: The Center of Violin Making in Germany
In the Vogtland region of eastern Germany, on the Czech border, lies the town of Markneukirchen. Ideally situated in a region that abundantly provides the timber required for instrument making as well as the infrastructure for transportation and trade, Markneukirchen has enjoyed a prominent position as a center of fine craft as well as efficient production. With a legacy that goes back centuries, Markneukirchen today has a reputation for fine, handmade stringed instruments, and is called by many, "The Cremona of Germany".
Mittenwald
The Bavarian town of Mittenwald, in southern Germany, has been an important trade center for centuries because of geography – it is in a low lying valley in the northern Alps, conducive to transportation. In what would prove to be the key to Mittenwald's emergence as a center of violin making, Italian trade increased sharply through valley in the 17th century, enabling export of Mittenwald's fine carved statuary, and import of Italy's violins. By the latter 17th century, violin making was firmly established in Mittenwald, and was further bolstered by the emerging guild system.
Workshops
Explore the workshops of E.H. Roth, Heberlein and E.R. Schmidt.