CA Miremont Violin, Paris 1878

Here we have a very fine Strad pattern violin by CA Miremont – it’s a tremendous sounding instrument in excellent condition.

Claude Augustin Miremont is uniquely well regarded amongst French makers of the 19th century. A former apprentice to ASP Bernardel, he represents an older tradition than that of the Vuillaume makers and his instruments are consistently excellent in sound.

This is a very nice Strad model with finely executed details and elegant arching. The antiqueing is restrained – more of a subtle shading – and the entire violin exudes a quiet confidence.

The condition is excellent – there’s a small fillet in the button to correct the neck angle and there’s one very short saddle crack, otherwise nothing to report. The original varnish is beautifully preserved.

Miremont clearly had a talent for sound – he was never responsible for the kind of crimes against humanity committed by the Vuillaume shop or Gand & Bernardel which have so tarnished the reputation of French makers!

This is a great violin to play – reedy, brilliant and very responsive. In fact it sounds very Strad-like, which can’t be said of most Strad copy instruments. The high register is exceptional, but the whole range has a brittle beauty, soulful and pliable, somehow combining warmth and colour with sharp focus and detail.

This is an exciting and rewarding instrument to play – the experience for the player is of hearing the music anew and of liking it more.