|TESTIMONIALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Scholars:

 

"I cannot express how grateful I am to have this viola on loan. When I was an undergraduate, my lessons were a constant battle to get sound out of my instrument. The constant experimentation with strings, adjustments, bows... nothing worked. After playing on this... viola, my playing has evolved to places I never could have hoped for..."

 

"Beyond words! I have surpassed all expectations that I set forth for myself and have had myriad opportunities. The instrument really brings out all of my strongest qualities and allows for a great range of color, depth, and tone…  I've gotten high praise for the sound and how well it projects in any room. I would love to continue working with it so that I can go to Curtis or Juilliard next year..."

 

"The... violin (from Virtu)... is so smooth and resonant, I feel like my abilities have improved so much since I got it as well as improving the quality of my performances and auditions. I have had some successful auditions that I don't think would have been if it weren't for this violin. I've loved playing it and getting to know it and it has inspired me to practice more and work harder!"

 

"Your generosity has helped make it possible for me to begin the career of my dreams. Many young musicians are held back from their full potential by an instrument that cannot convey the range of sonorities and colors that exist in their imagination; as a Virtu scholar, I do not have that problem. The violin... that I have had the pleasure to play for the last few years has a palette of colors from sparkling brilliance to deep warmth, and it always feels as though it has a cushion of extra power if the need arises. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to practice, perform, and develop as an artist with an instrument of such depth and nuance. Thank you so much..."

 

"The (Virtu) instrument has given me a voice like nothing in my life ever has! I'll never forget the support you have given me!"

 

I was so enthusiastic about my viola, my quartet partners had to pry the instrument from my hands. I just wanted to keep playing." 

 

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|THE COST OF QUALITY

 

 

A musician’s early training focuses on technique: how to play. Once a solid technique is learned, the career-long emphasis is on how to interpret and express the music. This is accomplished by giving shape, color and texture to the sounds produced. Only instruments capable of producing the desired sound will allow the musician to achieve these goals. 

 

Why are fine string instruments so expensive?

 

To the casual observer, one cello or violin looks much like all others. These similarities disappear when a bow is drawn across the strings and sounds are created. The color and texture of these sounds varies widely between instruments. It is the maker’s art that coaxes out truly elegant sounds. The finest instruments are hand-made and involve scores of small decisions by the maker; the choice of wood; the shape, arch and thickness of the parts; the selection of glues and varnish. The sum of these details, and often luck, determines the success of an instrument. Fine instruments, those capable of producing rich sounds, command a premium value.

 

 

“A quality instrument must produce wide range of tonal colors. For the advanced musician it’s not about playing the notes it’s about expression, giving meaning and depth to the music.

A good instrument will have a wide palette of sound colors to choose from, from a breathy quiet voice to a harsh grating sound to a soaring lyrical singing voice.

A good instrument is responsive; it should be sound lively, yet controlled. When a fast passage is played the notes should be well articulated, not blurred.

A good instrument should be comfortable. Musicians spend many hours practicing and their instrument must not be a source of torture.

A good instrument matches the musician’s skills.

A good instrument is one with which the musician forms a bond that engenders great confidence.

Playing a good instrument is like driving a fine race car; it requires great skill and control.”

 

Oded Kishony, Violinmaker

Charlottesville, Virginia