The Dutch violinist and composer, Arthur Wegelin (1908 - 1995) first came to South Africa as a concert violinist, performing concertos and recitals in a concert tour of the country. However, after WW2 he emigrated to South Africa and in 1951 he became violin lecturer at the University of Potchefstroom. After also teaching in Port Elizabeth, he became senior lecturer in Composition at the University of Pretoria (where I studied Composition with him). He published many books on school music, Harmony and Counterpoint. He retired in 1973.

During the height of his violin concert career, he performed on a violin by J. B. Vuillaume, but sold it when he stopped public performance. He then had several other instruments, including this violin.

This violin is unlabelled, but can be said with confidence to be Dutch, as Wegelin had many close ties with the Dutch violin world. It was probably made around 1940.

The most striking feature in this instrument is that it has a carved head, instead of a scroll, ostensibly as a tribute to Stradivari. Furthermore, the back and ribs are of attractive bird's eye maple with very distinct motives in the wood, real eye catcher. The top is of very good tone spruce with a very even medium grain throughout. The red-brown varnish is very translucent and compliments the materials well. Workmanship throughout is refined and steady, conforming to high standards.

This violin is responsive and well-balanced throughout the register. It's a pleasure to play and would serve as an excellent intermediate to advanced upgrade for a talented violinist.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 36.0 cm

Condition :
	This violin is free from cracks or evident repairs. It has new pegs, new Tomastik strings, a new student type tailpiece and a new bridge. The varnish in the back is slightly chipped, probably the consequence of extremely low humidity.

Provenance :
	Previously the property of the soloist and composer, Prof Arthur Wegelin (1908 - 1995)

Price :

On request