Claire Givens Violins, Inc.

Happy World Day of Music! Celebrate with classical music and stop by Givens Violins to try out an instrument or pick from our selection of Classical CD’s.

Featured in Givens Violins Practice Room 3 is a lovely portrait of Baroque Opera singer Faustina Bordoni, universally ranked among the greatest singers of her age. She was brought up in Venice under the protection of her composer brothers: Alessandro and Benedetto Marcello.

After studying with Michelangelo Gasparini and performing in Italy with Albinoni and Lotti, she made her way to London, her first opera being Handel’s ‘Alessandro.’ Handel created four more roles made for her. She remained in London until a well-publicized fight with her rival, Francesca Cuzzoni in 1727. Visit Givens Violins and be the first to find this portrait, tell us how her story ends for a special prize!

British bow maker Malcolm Maurice Taylor (b. 1933, d. 2012) was employed at W.E. Hill & Sons at the age of 16. During his tenure at Hills from 1949 to 1973, Taylor’s bows bear the number 8. After leaving Hills, Taylor made bows under his own name and was based near Barnstaple in Devon. He made a number of bows to celebrate the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana decorating the frog with the Prince’s three heraldic feathers in gold.

Givens Violins is pleased to have acquired a Taylor bow of this model made for our amazing violists! This bow is embellished with a tip plate, ferrule, and button of embossed gold. The frog is adorned with the Prince of Wales heraldic feathers in a gleaming gold inlay. Stunning! Please inquire for price.
https://www.givensviolins.com/product/viola-bow-malcolm-m-taylor-w-prince-of-wales-plume-g-e/

Happy Father’s Day from Givens Violins! We’re grateful for all fathers do for their families.

Advice from the Masters: William Primrose

William Primrose on his practice habits, “I do quite a few stretching exercises and a few special studies of my own, as I choose at the moment, and then of course I get to my repertoire. At this point, I should like to say a few words about the Kreutzer Studies transcribed for the viola. They are magnificent. Students should know the meaning of each study thoroughly. Each one has a definite purpose. The pupil should, during his practicing, concentrate on that one purpose. These studies can be used for an entire lifetime!”

(The Way They Play, Volume 1, page 249.)

A 1741 etching and engraving by English artist William Hogarth, "The Enraged Musician" depicts a comic scene of a violinist distracted by the hustle, bustle, and hooligans of the London Streets. Featured in Givens Violins Practice Room 2, customers can enjoy the many characters outlined in this work. Be the first to mention this piece to us on your next visit to our shop and tell us the story behind one of the aspects of this work for a special prize!

Todd Matus is a master luthier, an ardent researcher in the physics of the violin, as well as a noted photographer and published writer. The Premium Master cello offered by Givens Violins is an excellent example of Matus’ exacting craftsmanship and his knowledge of what cellists want from their instrument. This is an American made cello at a reasonable price, waiting for you, the maturing soloist and/or orchestral player, to make it your own! Priced at $14,000.00.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/todd-matus-sofia-2013-premium-master/

Matus studied lutherie with Alexander Leyvand in Indianapolis, Peter Tsetanov in Bulgaria, and Bruno Stefanini in Italy. From 1988 to 2022, Matus served as master luthier and ultimately, as president of Consort International, the makers of Sofia Violins, Indianapolis.

Celebrate World Children’s Day and take a look at our fractional instruments, perfect for a child learning to play!

Pictured is a 3/4 Antonio Stradivari model violin, available here:
https://www.givensviolins.com/product/3-4-antonio-stradivari-model/

Advice from the Masters: Fritz Kreisler on the importance of music in youth, “I always have felt that children should be brought into contact with fine music as early as possible because taste is molded when we are young. When we are older we are most comfortable in the surroundings we became accustomed to in early years. Since music builds character and fortifies against adversity in later life, it is most essential that young folks grow up with it through the years” (The Way They Play, Volume 1, page 99.)

Visit Givens Violins for a selection of classical music CD’s, perfect for young listeners! https://www.givensviolins.com/product-category/cds/

Claire and Andrew were happy to be in Cremona, again. Here they are in Piazzi Stradivari in front of the Stradivari statue.

In 1977, Jean Pascal Nehr graduated from Ecole Nationale de Lutherie, Mirecourt while studying with the master bow maker Bernard Ouchard. He began his bow making career and opened a shop in Paris. Since then, he has devoted himself to making bows based upon early 19th century French school, in particular emulating the work of FX Tourte.

This bow has a lovely and confident warm focus. Explore its subtle blend of elegance and power. Priced at $8,000.00

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/jean-pascal-nehr-s-e-w-cert/

Fernando Botero (1932-2023) was a renowned Columbian artist and sculptor. This rare poster was designed by him for the 1984 fine poster series put on by Lincoln Center in celebration of New York’s ‘Mostly Mozart’ festival.

Check out Givens Violins to see it in person! Win a special prize if you can answer: What is the name of the printmaking process used to produce this 1984 poster?

Check out this short Oscar winning documentary, “The Last Repair Shop.” This film follows a Los Angeles workshop, tasked with maintaining over 80,000 instruments for the LA United School District! Co-Director Kris Bowers said in his acceptance speech, “Music education isn’t just about creating incredible musicians – it’s about creating incredible human beings."

Perry Daniels is a very fine violin maker from Minnesota featured in the book Violin & Bow Makers of Minnesota. Perry worked in Wi******er, England with the well-known English maker Paul Bickle. Perry was awarded a gold medal at the Violin Society of America’s competition in 1996. Perry is an expert in many things including native American birds. Priced at $12,000.00.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/perry-daniels-minneapolis-1988/

Today we honor and reflect on the courageous men and women who give their lives for this country. We thank them for their bravery

Advice From the Masters: Josef Gingold, “We cannot remain in the past. That the past was one of greatness, and that today’s performances are less so, is simply not true. Styles and performers change. Today, I believe…there is greater scholarship…The trend is toward good thinking along with good playing. Yes, the standards have risen tremendously.”

(The Way They Play, Book 1 pages 352-354)

Givens Violins will be closed for the Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 25th through Monday, May 27th. We will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, May 28th.

Michael Koeberling began his violin making studies in 1984 with his father, Johann Koeberling, as well as in the Violin Making School in Mittenwald, Germany. Michael worked with his father for 15 years before moving to his permanent location in picturesque Murnau where he is focused solely on making exquisite instruments.

Only the highest quality premier matured tonewoods are used resulting in consistently gorgeous sound and visual appeal. All Michael’s instruments are branded inside the center of the back with the super-cool “Murnauer Dragon” crest, as well as his traditional label. This remarkable cello visually glows with a golden finish and the intense flames of the maple for the scroll, ribs, and back. Priced at $30,000.00.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/cello-michael-koeberling-murnau-germany-2016-w-cert/

It was a delight to have the Lirios Quartet at the shop Friday and to hear their fabulous concert at the MacPhail Center Saturday. The Lirios Quartet has been the Emerging Artists Quartet-in-Residence in the Madeline Island Chamber Music program.

One of our favorite luthiers, Daniel Arlig, delivered his latest last Tuesday morning, inspired by the 1777 G.B. Guadagnini “Simpson” cello, with a small string length of 26 5/8”. It is a dream to play – totally even from string to string, super responsive with lots of color and character from the C to the A. $30,000

John Norwood Lee has been one of the most dedicated U.S. bow makers for the last 40+ years. This bow is a very special bow, his #583, copied from a Louis Simon Pajeot at Bein & Fushi during that time. His “Comet” inlay in the frog is distinctive and elegant. The bow has a very quick response and pulls a lovely even chocolatey sound. At times it is as if the bow actually carries the hand. This makes quicker passages feel more manageable with improved playability.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/john-norwood-lee-583/
Priced at $5,500.00.

Today we honor all that Mothers do for their families. Happy Mothers Day!

Advice From the Masters: Jascha Heifetz-

When given only a small amount of time to practice, you can still accomplish a lot. Jascha Heifetz would use thirty minutes in this way, “If I had half-hour’s time to practice, I would work for twenty minutes on scales in various forms, and on trills. The next ten minutes I would work on pieces, but then I would choose the difficult passages only. Once your fingers are in shape and your right hand is in good form, you can do the pieces as well as your technic and temperament will allow.” (The Way They Play, Volume 1, page 75.)

We have three framed photos of Jascha Heifetz in our store! Come visit us and find one of them for a special prize!

Have you had troubles with your pizzicato practice? Come into our workshop for a free check-up! Our workshop is ready to check out your fingerboards and adjust for better pizzicato practice.

Franz Geissenhoff (b. 1753, d. 1821) was the key founder of the 19th century Geissenhoff School of violinmaking in Vienna. He was the pupil and eventual successor of Johann Thir. Following the style and exacting work of Stradivari, Geissenhoff earned the moniker “the Viennese Stradivari” circa 1800. This violin is from Vienna during this period of Geissenhoff's work. We are attributing it to the Geissenhoff School. Clearly it was inspired by the work of Geissenhoff.

The workmanship of the violin is meticulous, and it boasts a high degree of finish. In addition to the printed label, there is evidence of the brand-mark “FG” on the button.
This lovely violin has a rich, creamy, and eloquent tone that projects vibrantly across all four strings and at any dynamic level with joyful ease. The tonal palette is nuanced, complex, and mature. This violin will please the ardent or professional violinist.

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/geissenhoff-school-vienna-c-1800/

Happy National Teacher Day! Today we think of all the music teachers and the hard work you do to educate our young players. We appreciate you and encourage you in your career.

Advice From the Masters: Practice makes perfect, and meaningful rest makes a healthy body. Yehudi Menuhin agrees, “Always, I have been averse to thinking in rigid terms of a half-hour or an hour of practicing. If one gets tired at the end of thirty seconds, or after thirty minutes, he should rest. Do you know what I do when I am tired? I lie right down on the floor and rest! It relaxes me completely to lie down and stretch my arms and legs to their fullest extent" (The Way They Play, Volume 1, page 119.)

Claire was on the set of the Antiques Roadshow yesterday in Las Vegas appraising this violin for this lovely mother and daughter. It was their grandfather's.

Claire Givens and Andrew Dipper will be present in Las Vegas for the Antiques Roadshow, appraising at the musical instruments table. Episodes taped in 2024 will begin airing in January 2025.

One of his final works, this violin was made by Karoly de Ferenczy in 1901. He was known for his refined and authentic work using the Stadivari model. The violin plays with a pure bell-like resonance and has a confident response under the bow. We love how the violin speaks with clarity and brilliance in all the registers to bring new life to every note played on it. Please grab your favorite concerto and come play this violin!

https://www.givensviolins.com/product/karoly-de-ferenczy-denver-1901/