Violin by Johann Christoph Leidolff

Wien, 1746

Catalog 13 – Violin –Johann Christoph Leidolff, Wien, 1746

Johann Christoph Leidolf (1690-1758) learned his trade most likely under his father, Nicholas Leidolff, the founder of this highly significant dynasty of Viennese violin-makers, who, in turn, either learned with Kögl or – perhaps more likely, judging from his work – acquired his knowhow directly in Italy. Although the instruments by Johann Christoph cannot deny their debt to the omnipresent influence of Stainer North of the Alps, his varnish and the scrolls point dicidedly towards his native city. The generous outlines of the body, the arching and the deep ribs give these instruments power and carry, without forfeiting their innate Viennese charm.

The violin retains its original neck, which has been raised slightly.

The original neck of has been raised, a piece of wood has been added where the neck meets the back to raise the height of the neck; another piece of wood right between the top and the fingerboard, to make it seem as if the set up is “modern”. The instrument retains its original fingerboard and is otherwise in immaculate condition.

For many years this brilliant Polish violinist, Katarzyna Brzoza, performed and toured with her favourite instrument, this Johann Christoph Leidolff violin, which retains its original neck and fingerboard. Only recently did Kasia acquire her very own baroque violin, which she now uses in the concerts with Orpheon.

Label: Johann Christoph Leidolff / Lauten- und Geigenmacher / in Wien 1746
Providence: Auction House Dorotheum, Vienna

Body length	361 mm
Upper width	168 mm
Middle width	115 mm
Lower width	208 mm
Rib height	34 mm
String length	325 mm