Telesphore Barbe Violin 1885 Paris France
This violin was made by Télesphore Barbé in 1885. Barbé was born in 1822, Dijon, France. He commenced his apprenticeship with J. Derazey in Mirecourt. In 1845 Barbé left Mirecourt & began work with J.B.Vuillaume in Paris where he became his first assistant. Barbé left Vuillaume’s workshop a few years later but continued a professional relationship with Vuillaume making instruments for his workshop. In 1867 Barbé received a distinction at the Paris Exposition Universelle. This instrument comes with a certificate of authenticity.
,,,,This violin is labelled ‘TELESPHORE BARBÉ, Ex premier ouvrier de J.B. Vuillaume, Médaillé a l’esposition de 1867, PARIS, no.22, 1885,’ & signed ‘T. Barbé.’ The body measures 356mm along the back, 165mm across the upper bouts & 200mm across the lower bouts. The back is made from two pieces of highly flamed maple. The top is made of spruce with a straight grain. The violin has a good cover of red brown varnish & rosewood fittings. The instrument is in outstanding condition for a violin of this age.
,,,,This violin has a bright, clean & focused sound with outstanding resonance. It has exceptional tone clarity & a superior response time. It is extremely well balanced across both the high & low registers. This instrument would be suitable for the advancing to professional level soloist or chamber musician. It is currently fitted with ‘Larsen Il Cannone Solo’ on the A, D & G strings & ‘Evah Pirazzi Gold’ on the E string. The ‘Il Canonne Solo’ strings add a level of clarity & depth to the sound while the ‘Evah Gold’ strings add a touch of resonance.
,,,,Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this beautiful instrument.