Bow & Bridge Violin and bow makers, as the old books printed them

Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 337

Scan 337

the history of the violin, 1864

4 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 315. See the scan on archive.org.

1Opera, and husband to the celebrated singer of that name. This viola is now possessed by Gordon Gairdner, Esq. of Hamilton Terrace, St. John's Wood; and others could also be named. Many violoncellos could have attention drawn to them for their special excellencies, but a few only will be noticed; and a reference to the list of the instruments made, which will soon be specified, will more fully develope the names of eminent persons and professors of high repute that had them. Robert Lindley used one at the Italian Opera for nearly forty years; he named it "The Eclipse." This violoncello is now in the possession of Mr. Charles Lucas, the principal of the Royal Academy of Music. James Crossdill had a famous one. Cervetto the younger had one that was burned when the Italian Opera House, Haymarket, was destroyed by fire on the 17th June, 1789. The regret felt at the loss of this instrument was so acute, that he retired from the profession, being sure he never could have another violoncello that would suit his purposes so well. The fact may be explained thus:—When a young man he procured the instrument, and with the professional practise it ripened in tone as he ripened in years, therefore was greatly admired and appreciated. But it would tire to fill up space with the many fine violoncellos that could be brought to notice. There were only four double basses made by William Forster (2), three of which were made by the command of his Majesty George III.; and some interest was excited regarding one of them, which will be seen by the two following letters from professors in the king's private band. Mr. H. Niebour was the person who had to play upon it when completed.
3"Sir,—You will probably receive a letter from Mr. Niebour concerning a double-bass upon a much larger

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