This fine Russian violin by the important maker, Alexandr Muradov was the principal instrument of the Russian violinist, Itshak 'Isaac' Melamed (1934-2019). This distinguished Russian musician was Concert Master of the Odessa Opera for eighteen years. He then immigrated to Israel as a principal violinist in the Haifa Symphony Orchestra. He eventually took up position as a principal player in the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra in Durban, South Africa and was also Professor in violin at the Music Department of the University of Natal. He lived and worked in Durban for the rest of his life until his death in 2019. Several of South Africa's leading violinists were students of his.

Alexandr Muradov is a foremost Russian violin maker who lived and worked in Moscow. He won a Gold Medal in the 1979 Triennale in Cremona and was associated with Russia's foremost musicians. The photo below, taken in 1980, shows him with the great violinist, Leonid Kogan. I have been unable to obtain further biographical details about him, but at the time when Mr Melamed bought this violin from him in 1976 he was no longer a young man and would probably not be alive anymore. This violin bears the maker's original label and its authenticity has never been questioned.

This instrument is very well-toned and extremely responsive and 'lively' as could be expected of a violin suitable for solo work. It has excellent projection and is easy to play on. It follows the Stradivari pattern meticulously and is appealing on the eye. The two-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll appear to be of the same material - a mildly-flamed maple with a broad indistinct curl. The top is of excellent tone spruce with narrow grain at the centre line widening slightly to the flanks. The Fs are elegant and the tracing of the purfling shows a steady and experienced hand. The varnish is an attractive red brown over a yellow ground.

This violin is a potential career instrument for anyone seeking to embark on a professional career.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.7 cm

Condition :
	This violin is in excellent condition with no apparent repairs or cracks.

Provenance :
	This was the principal instrument of the Russian violinist, Itshak 'Isaac' Melamed (1934-2019).

Price :

On request