Here we have a rather special violin by the Japanese-American maker Tetsuo Matsuda. It’s a Guarneri model made in 1996 for the renowned concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony, Samuel Magad.
Tetsuo Matsuda died in 2022 after nearly 40 years at the top of his profession – he was based in Chicago throughout his career, and through his association with Bein and Fushi he was able to study and copy some of the best violins in the world.
This particular violin was commissioned by Samuel Magad and completed in 1994. It’s a finely observed late del Gesu copy, currently in excellent condition with only minor signs of use.
More and more players these days are drawn to contemporary instruments – it’s a good way to sidestep all the thorny questions of attribution and condition. A violin like this is a working tool, not a speculative investment, but all the same it’s nice to have such illustrious provenance…
Matsuda violins are valued for their warm but projecting tone and their ease of response. This example fits the description perfectly – it’s a big sounding instrument, round and fruity in tone and with an easy personality. The lower register is dark and gutsy, the upper register is crystalline and solistic.
A great all-round violin from an acknowledged master of the craft.
