As with all Galea's instruments, this viola is exceptionally well-toned with an open, robust tone that projects and speaks with ease. It is in perfect condition and is a very serious instrument which should be in the hands of an accomplished violist.

Galea arrived in South Africa from Italy in 1946 and for seventeen years produced some of the finest instruments made in this country until he moved to Longbeach in California in 1962 where he spent the rest of his life. I have not encountered any instrument by this maker that was of inferior quality or did not satisfy tonally. I have dealt with some twelve of his violins and this is the first and only viola I have encountered. It conforms from every perspective to the exceptionally high standards associated with Galea's work.

The two-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll are of nicely flamed maple with a medium to narrow curl. The top is of superb tone spruce with an even medium grain. Every aspect of this instrument shows impeccable attention to detail and mastery, notably the corner work and mitres. This instrument bears Galea's known hand written label, indicating that it was made in Cape Town in 1956. It is also branded in the back just above the label. The varnish is rich red brown which beautifully compliments the materials.

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.

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.

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. Being a good violinist, Galea knew what violinists wanted and he didn't sell an instrument until it conformed to the tonal properties he expected and became known for. All his instruments sound really good.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 40.0 cm

Condition :
	This instrument is in perfect condition.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request