The Violin: Its Famous Makers and Their ImitatorsHart, George
History
The Violin: Its Famous Makers and Their Imitators
Hart, George
Violin -- History; Violin makers -- Biography
During his early years he was much esteemed as a maker of Viols, many
of which have all the marks of careful work upon them. On all of these
instruments will be found his name, surrounded with a design in
purfling, under the finger-board, or his monogram executed in
purfling. The same trade token will be found in his Violoncellos. All
endeavours to discover any existing English Violoncello, or record of
one, anterior to Barak Norman, have failed, and, consequently, it may
be assumed that he was the first maker of that instrument in England.
Here, again, is evidence of his partiality for the form of Maggini, as
he copied this maker in nearly all his Violoncellos. All the
Violoncellos of Barak Norman have bellies of good quality; the
modelling is executed skilfully, due care having been observed in
leaving sufficient wood. His Tenors are fine instruments. Many of
these were made years before he began the Violoncellos--a fact which
satisfactorily accounts for the marked difference in form peculiar to
them. The build is higher, and the sound-hole German in character; the
varnish is very dark. About the year 1715 Barak Norman entered into
partnership with Nathaniel Cross, carrying on the joint business at
the sign of the Bass Viol, St. Paul's Churchyard. In a Viol da Gamba
which belonged to Walter Brooksbank, Esq., of Windermere, is a label
in the handwriting of Nathaniel Cross, in which he adds the power of
speech to the qualities of the quaint Gamba; the words are, "Nathaniel
Cross wrought my back and belly," the sides and scroll being the work
of his partner.
NORRIS, John, London, born 1739; died 1818.
Made by Norris and Barnes,
Violin, Violoncello, and Bow
Makers, To their Majesties,
Coventry Street, London.
Articled to Thomas Smith, the successor of Peter Wamsley. Similar work
to that of Thomas Smith. He became a partner of Robert Barnes.
PAMPHILON, Edward, London, 17th century.
Edward Pamphilon,
April the 3rd, 1685.
The Violins of this maker were formerly much prized. The model is very
high, and the appearance somewhat grotesque. It is to be regretted
that the splendid varnish often found on these instruments was not put
upon better work.
PANORMO, Vincent. (_See_ Italian School.)
PANORMO, Joseph, London. Son of Vincent Panormo. His work was
excellent. His Violoncellos are decidedly superior to his Violins.
PANORMO, George Lewis, London. Brother of the above. Made Violins of
the Stradivari pattern.
PANORMO, Louis, London. Made Guitars chiefly.
PARKER, Daniel, London, 18th century. This is another maker of the
English school, who was possessed of exceptional talent, and whose
instruments are well worthy of attention from those in search of good
Violins at a moderate cost. To Parker belongs, in conjunction with
Benjamin Banks, the merit of breaking through the prejudice so long in
favour of preference for the Stainer model.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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