This violin is exceptionally well-toned with power, projection and a wide range of tonal colours which are the properties required for a good concert violin. It is essentially an instrument that should be in the hands of a soloist, a recitalist or a chamber musician.

Everything about this instrument impresses: from the beautiful choice of materials to the impeccable workmanship normally associated with Alfredo G. Galea. It has very strong visual appeal - one is struck by the attractive one piece back of well-figured maple with a distinct medium curl, as well as the magnificent control in the purfling and mitres - some of the finest work I've see. The top is of superb tone spruce with narrow even grain. In this violin, made in Durban in 1961, Galea's hand is unmistakeable - clean workmanship of a very high order, with impeccable attention to detail. This violin, as with all his violins from his South African period, bears his handwritten label and brand in the inside of the back.

Alfredo G. Galea (1909-1994) was accredited as Master Violin Maker by the Italian National Association of Violin Makers in Rome, an accomplishment merited by the high quality of his work. The German researcher, Lütgendorff notes that Galea made his first violin at the age of 11 and by age 15 had completed 15 violins. His teacher at that time was the Italian violinmaker, Ami Care Coschiera, who had a workshop in Alexandria.

After the Second World War Galea moved to Durban in South Africa for a position as first violinist in the Durban Symphony Orchestra. At that time Durban was home to Amon Bilmark (1894-1961) - a former pupil of Simone Sacconi. Bilmark's studio and business dominated the entire country. Soon after his arrival in Durban in about 1946, Galea entered a partnership with Bilmark, but that lasted only briefly, until 1950.

During one of his concert tours to South Africa, Yehudi Menuhin met Galea. Menuhin was impressed by Galea's work and suggested that Galea should move to the United States. Menuhin eventually assisted him in emigrating to the US in 1962. Galea settled in Longbeach Ca. where he opened a violinmaking studio and shop. This studio was soon to dominate the violin community in that area and became noted for excellent repairs and restorations. For the next 32 years in the USA, Galea enjoyed the recognition he deserved and desired. He remained there for the rest of his life until his death on 28 July 1994, aged 84.

Galea commanded respect through is work. Ruggiero Ricci commissioned a violin from him in 1970. By 1979 Galea had made around 200 instruments and his life's work amounted to around 240 instruments. His instruments are in the hands of professionals all over the world. So far I have not come across one that showed work of inferior quality or of poor tone. Being a good violinist, Galea knew what violinists wanted and didn't sell an instrument until it conformed to the tonal properties he expected and became known for. All his violins sound really good.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.6 cm

Condition :
	Throughout in excellent condition. A crack in the top was very well repaired by a Cremonese trained violin maker and is virtually invisible. This violin still has the bridge made for it by Jacob J. van de Geest (1899 - 1974).

Provenance :
	This violin was bought directly from the maker by its former owner.

Price :

On request