All Galea's violins are characterized by powerful and focussed concert-type tone, ideally suited for the performance of the big concertos. This violin is no exception and speaks with clarity, focus and projection, and easy response.

Galea commanded respect through his 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. He made only two to four violins per year, and they 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.

In this violin, made in Durban in 1958, Galea used the same mould as he did for exceptionally fine violin used by the concert violinist, George Walker, made the previous year. In every respect his hand is unmistakable - clean workmanship of a very high order, with impeccable attention to detail. One has to admire his tracing of purfling - virtually flawless. The corners are beautifully shaped, as are the lines and positioning of the Fs.

This violin is labelled with Galea's known handwritten label and is branded in the back, just above the label. The choice of materials is superb. Galea opts for a one piece back of excellent maple with a distinct medium to narrow curl, repeated in the ribs, neck and scroll. The top is of excellent tone spruce. The varnish is light amber brown, though somewhat worn in places.

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. 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.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.7 cm

Condition :
	Structurally this violin is in superb condition, completely free from cracks or evident repairs. The varnish shows some wear, obviously due to much use.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request