ViolinViolinViolin OcOcOcOcOctetetetetettttt new voicevoicenew s ffs or the 21s21sor t centuryturytury Vol. 2, NNVol. o. 4 FFo. all 2005/Win2005/Winall ter 20062006ter
“Playing for the World” First International Convention Special Issue
The New Violin family’s Premiere convention a success!
The convention was a success by foreign countries. The group almost all measures, and even ended up using all the available the famously sodden fall weather convention space in the Ithaca The New Violin Family Robert Spear photo Holiday Inn, including meeting Hutchins, who was unable to Association (NVFA), in rooms and part of the hotel lobby. attend because she was conjunction with the Acoustical recuperating from a fall, greeted Society of America (ASA), The convention began on Sunday the attendees via a videotaped presented OCTET 2005, its night with a welcoming reception message that left few dry eyes in premiere international and introduction from NVFA the room. The recital during the convention, at the Downtown President Dr. Paul Laird. Carleen welcoming reception featured Ithaca (NY) Holiday Inn from Frederick Charlton, bass violinist
October 31 through November 3, Ted Jones photo and composer-in-residence with 2005. the Hutchins Consort, and Irena Tchetchko, piano, playing some of Charlton's own compositions.
Carleen Hutchins While the instruments of the New in a recent photo Violin Family have been known and respected in the academic common to Ithaca at that time of and research worlds for over four the year gave way to four mostly decades, for this event the sunny and mild late autumn days. convention organizers wished to Convention organizer Robert J. primarily emphasize their musical Spear said that the response to and performance aspects. the convention was much greater Recitals and concerts were Robert Spear photo than the NVFA had anticipated, scheduled every night, a decision The Downtown Holiday Inn, site bringing over 100 participants Frederick Charlton performs for that proved highly popular with the of OCTET 2005 from many states and three the opening reception attendees.
Newsletter of the New Violin Family Association 2 New Violin Family Association Newsletter
On Monday night, treble violinist bass with high tuning, gave a One of the major surprises of Ted Jones photo Grigory Sedukh and pianist Elena splendid recital with accompanist OCTET 2005 was the popularity Tsvetkova, both of whom studied John Ellis. Also performing on this of the free-plate tuning workshop in St. Petersburg, Russia program was Chien Tan, treble that ran continuously throughout performed in Ithaca's Unitarian violin, with pianist Janet Jones; the three-day convention. church to a delighted audience. and Carrie Hummel, soprano Session leaders Tom Knatt and Also featured on this program violin, accompanied by Joan Alan Carruth reported that the were tenor violinist Sera Jane Reuning. A reception sponsored room they used, which normally Smolen with pianist Diane Birr, by Robert and Deena Spear and holds 12 - 14 people, was often and mezzo violinist and Googer’s Bakery was held after so crowded that many times not each of the evening recitals. Both everyone interested could be Ted Jones photo events were open to the public admitted. Electronic designer Don Bradley of Bradley Engineering Sera Jane Smolen and Monday's opening general brought several of his late-model Stephen Nachmanovitch session featured a discussion of signal generators for the octet instruments, how they demonstration, and at least one John Waddle's presentation of differ from conventional was in constant service CT-scanned instruments was instruments, and demonstrations throughout the convention. given rapt attention. Also of all eight new family violins by Interest was so high in this area addressing the session was Joe McNalley and members of that Knatt, Carruth, and Spear are Professor Edwin Fitzgerald whose Grigory Sedukh and Elena fascinating topic was the effects Ted Jones photo Tsvetkova in recital at the of coumarin on the aging process Unitarian Church of spruce. Duane Voskuil spoke about harmonic reinforcement in improvisation master Stephen the octet violins and how other Nachmanovitch. advantageous resonance
Ted Jones photo On Tuesday night, bass virtuosa Diana Gannett, playing on the original Hutchins/Blatter small
Ted Jones photo Members and guests gather for refreshments and conversation following the Monday night recital at the Unitarian Church.
the Hutchins Consort. McNalley discussing the feasibility of setting and the Hutchins Consort players up similar classes to run in several also moderated a session on parts of the country in the coming composing and arranging for the months. octet. Another well-received session provided a forum for Scientific and technical aspects discussion of the various were also represented in a approaches to playing some of general session where five papers the more interesting octet were read. Tom King spoke on the instruments, especially the alto Cremonese method of f-hole violin (also known as the "vertical placement, expanding on the John Ellis and Diana Gannett at viola"). work originally published in the Chien Tan and Janet Jones, from the Unitarian Church Strad Magazine. Steve Sirr and Portland, OR New Violin Family Association Newsletter 3
Ted Jones photo would be nearly impossible for a Apparitions" written for them by standard cello to hold its own in a New York City composer Marek duet with a brass instrument. Harris, and the group accompanied Diana Gannett in On Wednesday, November 2, in the "Lensky" Aria from Ithaca's historic State Theatre, the Tchaikovsky's opera, "Eugene NVFA concluded OCTET 2005 Onegin." with an evening of music preceded by Paul Laird's talk on The consorts combined with the history of octet instruments guest soloists and other and the many fascinating people performers to conclude the who played a role in their evening with a lush and soaring development. arrangement of the Vaughan
Geoff Gartner with his baritone violin during a lecture/demonstra- Ted Jones photo tion by the members of the Hutchins Consort relationships might be achieved. Nachmanovitch’s improvisation Voskuil also stood in for Carleen workshop and a duo performance Hutchins in presenting the late by baritone violinist Akua Dixon William Allen's findings on wave from Montclair (NJ) and her theory and air mode testing, husband, the well-known Jazz noting that of all the research on trombonist, Steve Turre. Dixon this topic, Allen's was the most has long been a champion of the practical. [Abstracts of the papers baritone violin, and owns one of can be found on page 6-- ed.] the original deep-ribbed models. She says that it was not until she Other interesting sessions acquired the baritone that she occurred throughout the could perform with her husband Ted Jones photo convention, including Steve without amplification, since it President Paul Laird address- Akua Dixon, baritone violin, ing the State Theatre audience and Steve Turre, trombone, at Ted Jones photo their demonstration Williams "Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis" scored in 21 parts The Hutchins Consort from by Robert J. Spear especially for Encinitas (CA) and the Albert this event. This ensemble was Consort from Ithaca (NY) comprised of nearly three octets, performed an evening of music for marking the first time that more full octets, including an original than a single octet has performed work, "Octopus Therapy," written in public and also presenting the for the Hutchins group by greatest number of octet Frederick Charlton. The Hutchins instruments ever to appear on a Consort also accompanied treble single stage. All recitals and violin virtuoso Grigory Sedukh in concerts were open to the public. his signature piece, Vivaldi's "Goldfinch" concerto. Plans for a second international During a lull in the plate tuning workshop, Tom Knatt (seated, left) convention in Southern California confers with electronics designer Don Bradley (center), while Ithaca’s Albert Consort gave the in the winter of 2008 are already Patrick Tobin and Pio Montanari (both standing) look on world premiere of "Ballet of the under discussion. 4 New Violin Family Association Newsletter
Totally Tallis
Wednesday, October 2, 2005; An Historic “First” as Largest Octet Group Ever Plays a Memorable Concert
When the decision to hold OCTET Rice (TX) University could come. 2005 was made, Robert Spear, “Akua Dixon bailed me out as solo Chairman of the Organizing baritone player,“ Spear recalled. Committee, knew the musical “Then, the tenor player cancelled. finale would have to be something I was fortunate to meet cellist out of the ordinary. Spear had long Annie Barley, who had heard admired the work of the British about the new violins and thought composer Ralph (pronounced they were interesting. I had a “Rafe”) Vaughan Williams, and he Ted Jones photo tenor in her hands as fast as I knew Williams’s lush and densely- could! Then the mezzo player The Tallis Orchestra in rehearsal scored masterpiece, the cancelled, and I was lucky to find “Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas implement a variation on the two- had to borrow a treble violin from Elizabeth Cary, who was taking a Tallis” would be a perfect choice. orchestra theme. “I had an idea Carleen Hutchins. As it turned out, semester off from her studies at “Albert Consort played Williams’ that there should be a larger that was the least of my worries.” Ithaca College, to fill in.” ‘Phantasy Quintet’ when we had ensemble entirely of instruments only five instruments,” Spear on the Hutchins model, a smaller Not long before the convention, Although Spear was fast running one of my the gentleman who had planned out of players, he was running out Ted Jones photo experimental to conduct the Tallis Orchestra of instruments even faster. Spear instruments, and abruptly cancelled. Pamela says, “The demand for a solo group of Gearhart, a longtime friend of the instruments placed quite a strain five octet violins new violins and a fine conductor on our limited supply of octet in between. In herself, recommended one of her violins, and for a while we were this way we students, Ubaldo Valli. Spear really scraping around to find would have an called Valli, who graciously enough fiddles. I was repairing interesting tonal agreed to take on the task if he damaged instruments and contrast.” Sixteen could find a spot for it in his Carleen was working the phones Conductor Ubaldo Dante Valli makes a point as months before crowded schedule. His to borrow privately owned the Tallis groups rehearses the scheduled appointment book had only one instruments from individuals all recalls. “As I studied how he concert date, Wednesday, open date in it through the entire over the country.” handled the parts using November 2, Spear began to convention week. Amazingly, it conventional instruments, I had arrange the piece. It took him was Wednesday, November 2. Cellist Nathan Cook, who had the strong feeling that if octet more than a year to finish. been playing alto at Rice, had instruments had existed during his Other problems arose when only taken a position at the University time, he would have used them.” As the performance date drew two of the five musicians from of Georgia. Cook agreed to play Spear realized that the complexity nearer, Spear began to fill the of the part-writing far exceeded ranks of the Tallis Orchestra. Joe the capabilities of a single octet. McNalley’s Hutchins Consort His solution was to arrange the formed the core of the larger work for nearly three octets. “west” orchestra, while the Albert Consort became the smaller The piece is scored for large “east” orchestra. Then everything orchestra, a second, smaller, started to go wrong. “First, I did “echo” orchestra, and a solo not finish my octet in time for the Green Bean’s Productions quartet. Spear decided to convention,” Spear recalls, “so I Tallis Orchestra in concert New Violin Family Association Newsletter 5
in the quintet, but he could not use Meanwhile, Cook shipped the alto scheduled Rice’s alto. Hutchins sent the only to Ithaca before flying there to for the same alto she had left, a 5-string model attend the convention. He arrived evening. that Spear converted back to four on schedule, but the alto didn’t. Spear recalls strings. Then Spear built a crate In fact, the alto had still not arrived the moments and shipped the alto to Cook so on the day of the concert, leading leading up to he could practice his part. Violinist the Convention Organizing the first Wendy Olson-Posner, another Committee Chair to experience a rehearsal as former student at Rice, offered to severe migraine. But then an idea tense. “It just play the soprano, and the quintet occurred to him. Steve McCann hit me all at was in place--almost. had brought a recently-completed once that all Ted Jones photo alto to display in the exhibition the elements Members of the Albert Consort rehearse as “east” Problems flowed like a swollen room, where it reposed on a table, for a disaster orchestra. river through the entire unused. That condition ended were firmly in convention. Joe McNalley’s treble quickly, and at the concert Cook place. We had 23 players who his eyes.” Emotions were also player could not resolve conflicts played a band-new alto he had had never played together before, running high on the stage. Alto with her orchestral commitments, never seen before. “My alto had more than a few musicians who violinist Jamie Kibelsbeck said, “I so the Hutchins Consort flew east its professional debut much were new to their instruments, a had the most amazing experience without her. Fortunately, Grigory sooner than I had expected,” complex piece, unusual seating, when the rehearsal started. The Sedukh provided McNalley with McCann said with a smile. a new conductor, and only two 90- chords in the first two measures the best of all possible substitutes. Without the alto, McCann also got minute rehearsals to get it ready. of the piece were so beautiful that Sedukh learned enough music to to attend more of the exhibition. It occurred to me that the quality I felt as if I were floating out of my be a soloist as well as a member of our playing for one hour might chair.” [see also page 10 for of the Hutchins Consort. He The day of the concert was a busy define octet instruments for the additional comments. --ed.] participated in all the group’s one at the performance venue, next ten years. We bet the scheduled lectures and with a rehearsal scheduled for Association on a single piece of The only disappointment in the demonstrations--and sat in the Hutchins Consort with soloists, music. What had I been thinking?” performance was that Carleen leader’s chair of the Tallis the Albert Consort with soloists, Hutchins was not able to attend. Orchestra [see also page 8 --ed.]. and the solo quintet. The Tallis Then conductor Ubaldo Valli gave Just before the Tallis was played, Orchestra the downbeat, and the first with more octet musicians on one was slated tranquil measures of the piece stage than had ever been for just two floated out into the hall. “It gave gathered before, everyone else rehearsals, me chills,” Spear says. “Even I, attending the convention came to one in the who know the capabilities of these the area in front of the stage for a morning instruments pretty well, was not video greeting to a grand lady. and the prepared for what I heard. I The concert is a memory now, but other in the happened to be sitting next to Ted with luck the record for octet afternoon, Jones, one of our trustees, and instruments will not stand long.
Ted Jones photo with the when I turned to say something See you at OCTET 2008! Tallis Orchestra acknowledges applause performance to him, I saw that he had tears in
Tallis West (left) Orchestra: Frederick Charlton, bass Annie Barley, tenor Sera Jane Smolen, tenor Grigory Sedukh, treble Diana Gannett, bass Akua Dixon, baritone Elisa Evett, baritone Igor Tchetchko, soprano Joe McNalley, contrabass Michael Fittipaldi, bass Ethan Busteed, mezzo Tallis East (right) Orchestra: Nicholas Walker, contrabass Carolyn Tyler Lechusza, alto Solo Quintet (center): Linda Case, treble Patrick Tobin, alto Wendy Olsen-Posner, soprano Carrie Hummel, soprano Conductor: Omar Firestone, tenor Elizabeth Cary, mezzo Bill Hurley, mezzo Ubaldo Dante Valli Geoff Gartner, baritone Nathan Cook, alto Jaime Kibelsbeck, alto 6 New Violin Family Association Newsletter
Abstracts of Scientific & Technical Papers
General Session, November 2, 2005 9:30 a.m. A. Thomas King, Moderator
The Cremonese Method of F-Hole Placement and outside, density information and measurements of the King cello Alvin Thomas King and others. CT is also used to document existing condition issues of the instruments. Metallic substance in the illustrations of the back Abstract: This paper will present a plausible reconstruction of a and ribs of the cello are shown. system for determining the size and placement of f-holes on Cremonese violins, violas, and cellos. I will review the evidence for Harmonic Reinforcement in the Octet Violins such a system, give examples from classical Cremonese Duane Voskuil instruments, and provide explicit instructions for the maker who wishes to work in the Cremonese fashion. Abstract: Many players and listeners maintain the Octet violins have a fuller sound than conventional instruments. A theory is presented Coumarin Coating Effects on the Dynamic and Mechanical for the Octet suggesting why this is the case based on a study of Properties of Violin Wood. the Mezzo violin. It expands on C. M. Hutchins’ original design Edwin R. Fitzgerald, Johns Hopkins University principle placing A0 near the open, D-string and the A1/B1 combination (W, i.e., F. A. Saunder’s strongest bowed tone), near Abstract: An automated dynamic mechanical measurement system the open A-string. Preliminary data indicate other Octet violins may has been used to find the effects of coumarin coating on spruce embody the same principles, namely, violins designed with and maple violin wood samples. The measurement system provides, dimensions so (1) the lowest wood and air and resonances occur from 10 to 10,000 Hz. values of complex compliance, J* = J’ - iJ”, around the lower octaves of the instrument’s range allowing the shear modulus, G* = G’ + iG = 1/J*, shear wave velocity, and bowed string, directly and by second and higher harmonic attenuation. reinforcement, to simultaneously activate one or more natural wood or air resonances of the body with each bowed note played, and so Initial measurements in the with-grain direction on samples from (2) the intervals among these natural resonances set up mutually two separate spruce strips with portions of uncoated and coated reinforcing, rather than destructively interfering, waves. A rationale strip sections were made eleven months after the coatings were is given for the A0-A1 interval as a fifth and the A1-B1 interval as a applied. The results on samples from both strips displayed broad musical third. retardation dispersions with several superimposed, sharp resonance dispersions in the 10 to 10,000 Hz range. The general compliance Abbreviated Biographical Information levels of the coated spruce samples were about two thirds of the uncoated samples for samples from both strips; that is, the shear Dr. A. Thomas King has been a violinmaker for 25 years. He has modulus values of the coated samples were correspondingly higher served as CAS President and Editor of the CAS Journal. Dr. Edwin than values for the uncoated samples. Fitzgerald is a physicist and educator. He received his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1944, a Master of Measurements on the uncoated samples two years after the initial Science in Physics in 1950, and a Ph.D. in Physics in 1951. measurements show an additional compliance level decrease (modulus level increase). Changes in the superimposed resonance Dr. Steven Sirr was graduated with a medical degree and a masters dispersions for the coated samples also occur with time. in physics in 1975. John R. Waddle is a violin maker and dealer with a shop in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was trained at The Violin Noninvasive CT analysis of the Andrea Amati “King” cello Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah, graduating in and others 1981. Sirr and Waddle presently have available CT data from about Steven Sirr and John Waddle 40 instruments, including guitar, violin, viola, cello, and bass viol.
Abstract: Using a multislice CT scanner and Osirix shareware, we Dr. Duane Voskuil began violin making 33 years ago. He now owns obtain accurate outlines, archings, graduations, contours of inside a violin shop in Bismarck, ND, where he is working on an Octet set. New Violin Family Association Newsletter 7
Heard in the Hall A Membership
Your fearless--well, O.K., nosey-- editor slipped through the hall Challenge after the concert and recalls what he overheard
Our recent convention has given a great deal of exposure to the NVFA, and as the number of opportunities to expand our activities rise, so do the costs. The convention has given us some I Finally Understand . . . phones because I was sure I’d put Opportunity of a Lifetime . . . great momentum, and the future “I’ve heard about these instru- them in the wrong place. The “I consider hearing these in- is so exciting it’s easy to forget ments before. I’ve read some lit- sound I heard in my headphones struments tonight to have been that while conventions and erature about them. I’ve looked at was what I heard myself when I the opportunity of a lifetime. I feel conferences give us our public your web site. I’ve listened to the got closer. The intensity was un- sorry for anyone who missed it.” persona, it is our members that audio clips. But I had to hear them believable.” --Cheryl Lawrence, owner, ultimately form the backbone of playing in concert before I finally --Alfred B. Grunwell, Googer’s Bakery, Dryden, NY our association. A small number understood what you meant.” recording engineer of individuals have extended --John Greenley, physicist, Great Anticipation . . . themselves considerably to bring Cornell University Playing for the World . . . “I’ve been looking forward to us to our present point, and now “I wish we had a better audi- this concert; I had the date circled it’s clear that we must increase Entirely Impressed . . . ence for you. I was glad to learn on my calendar for months!” our membership. “I have to say that I was en- that you were making audio and --Michael Griffin, contra- tirely impressed by the power of video recordings because you bassist, Rochester Philharmonic For those of you who are not those basses.” were not really playing for the lo- members but are receiving and --Ubaldo Valli, conductor, cal community tonight; you were Never Heard Anything Like It . . enjoying this newsletter, please Tallis Gala Orchestra playing for the world.” “I’m the general manager of join up! Your membership will --Unidentified woman speak- the State Theatre and before that keep this newsletter coming, keep You Have Got To Hear This . . ing after the concert I was the technical director and the NVFA solvent, and allow us “Our board of directors [was] stage manager. I’ve heard a lot of to plan and implement many meeting [that] night. The meeting Heard Every Instrument . . classical musical groups that have exciting projects for the future. [was] scheduled to end at 7:30. I “Not long ago I sat in the come through here over the went outside, got on my cell audience here [in the State years, but I’ve never heard any- For those of you who are already phone, and called each one of the Theatre] listening as the Julliard thing like what I heard on our members, thanks! Here’s what 17 board members individually. I String Quartet struggled to make stage [Wednesday night]. Please you can do to help us grow told them not to make plans for themselves heard, and I come back and do it again.” stronger: persuade one other dinner. I told them you have got remember feeling embarrassed --William Esty, General Man- colleague or friend to become a to come to the Theatre tonight. for my city that we made such fine ager, State Theatre member. Yes, that’s right. Just You have got to hear this.” artists with such fine instruments one. As every journey is but a --Scott Witham, President, play in such a poor acoustical succession of single steps, the Historic Ithaca space. [Tonight] I heard two [new growth of an organization occurs violin family] octets play in the one member at a time. We’d like Amazing Intensity of Sound . . . same, supposedly poor, space, to double our membership by this “I’ve been a recording engi- and I had no trouble hearing any time next year, and while that neer my entire adult life, and I’ve individual instrument no matter might sound like a lot, all it never heard strings with such where I went.” requires from you is to bring a power. I kept going to the front of --Name Withheld single friend on board. They will the house to check my micro- provided thank you, and so will we! 8 New Violin Family Association Newsletter
Treble Trials
Grigory Sedukh thought he was going to spend a relaxing few days in Ithaca, play a recital, and mingle with like-minded colleagues in the New Violin Family Association. Then he stepped off the plane . . .
Grigory Sedukh’s busy life is Sedukh’s schedule had so little the piece, and says that the first similar to the one he performed spent as a violinist in the St. time that he could not even spare time he heard it he could not help at Ithaca, only without piano Petersburg Symphony, a violin a few hours to visit his daughter, but think it had been written accompaniment. Sedukh had teacher, and a performer on the who lives in Boston. NVFA expressly for the treble violin. arranged some of these pieces treble violin anywhere in the Trustee Dean Richardson drove One unexpectedly humorous at the last minute for this world. By a great stroke of luck, Sedukh to New Hampshire where moment occurred because the unaccompanied format, and the his schedule was open in the fall, he met Tsvetkova for several front of the stage was not well concert worked beautifully. and plans were made for a solo days of intense rehearsals in a illuminated. When Sedukh borrowed room at the Brewster stepped forward to play, he all but “I particularly remember when Academy. disappeared into the gloom. Grisha picked up the mezzo violin While he may have been hard to in the midst of ‘The Children’s Upon his arrival in Ithaca, Sedukh see, no one had any trouble Album’ suite and played learned that the Hutchins hearing his treble violin! “Kamarinskaya” only using Consort’s treble violinist had pizzicato, and the pizzicato filled been unable to make the trip, so, On Friday, November 4, 2005, the galleries,” observed Joe in addition to his other Sedukh performed a solo concert Peknik, technician in the Musical responsibilities, Sedukh found in the Andre Mertens Galleries for Instruments Department. “I was Ted Jones photo himself installed as the Consort’s Ted Jones photo standing in the back of the Grigory Sedukh and Elena Tsvetkova new treble violinist with a full set audience, perhaps fifty or sixty perform at Ithaca’s First Unitarian Church, October 31, 2005. of concert music to be learned in feet away from Grisha and I just two days! heard the pizzicato as if it were performance with the Hutchins right in front of me,” Consort and a recital in Ithaca Sedukh’s evening recital at the (NY) for OCTET 2005. Unitarian Church in Ithaca was a Gerald Goodman, a professional magical event. It would have harpist who attended the concert, Pianist Elena Tsvetkova was been hard to believe that he and commented: “The treble violin recruited to accompany Sedukh. Tsvetkova had not been playing has great musicality. Grisha’s Tsvetkova, who now lives in the together for years. One of the extraordinary technique on the United States, was also trained most enjoyable moments of the treble made me curious to hear in St. Petersburg, although she recital was a treble violin duet Grigory Sedukh (r.) works with Chien the Hutchins bass.” and Sedukh with Chien Tan of a movement of Tan during an animated portion of the provided Treble Violin Master Class. were not the Bach Concerto for Two “The De Beriot violin concerto, acquainted Violins in D minor. To our Musical Instruments at the with its trick bowing and double prior to the knowledge, it was the first time Metropolitan Museum of Art in and triple stops, ended on a note convention. two trebles had performed New York City to an enthusiastic that, had I been sitting closer, There were together, and we were happy to audience of over 100 people. The would have shattered my otherobtain a fine, professional concert was prefaced by a short glasses. It was so high, just within problems to recording of the recital. introduction by D. Quincy audible range—absolutely solve in Whitney, Carleen Hutchins’ astounding. To hear all that music Elena Tsvetkova obtaining the Sedukh’s performance of the biographer and a Research coming out of that violin was just papers needed for Sedukh to Vivaldi “Goldfinch” with the Fellow in the museum’s Musical phenomenal,” said Peknik. come to the US on a visitor’s visa, Hutchins Consort at the State Instruments Department. which has become more difficult Theatre two days later was Special thanks to Quincy Whitney and Joe Peknik, lll, for substantial since the tragedy of 9/11. equally wonderful. Sedukh loves Sedukh performed a program contributions to this article. New Violin Family Association Newsletter 9
News in Brief
Petersburg, Russia, several replacements available. This We heard you! years ago. It was more recently theme was echoed by Robert Many members have written to us taken to Ithaca (NY) where it was Spear, founder of the Albert that our web site is too static and on display during the recently Consort, who said his ideas of not updated often enough. completed OCTET 2005 having octets in other cities has Others, including your editor, have International Convention. From been tempered by the been frustrated that we cannot there the entire set was crated understanding that each group afford to publish the newsletter
Edith Munro photo and trucked to California. that comes into being likely will more than twice a year, and that need two sets of instruments. some of the news is stale by the Octet Exhibit Closes. Apparently the ride must have time it reaches you. We will be The longest-running temporary been a bumpy one! When we The Hutchins Consort may need experimenting with a more active exhibit in the recent history of New called Joe McNalley not long ago, two groups to help fill its busy and more frequently updated York’s prestigious Metropolitan he was cooking some glue in schedule. In addition to its normal website in the months ahead, now Museum of Art has ended with the preparation for some minor concert series presented that the burdens of convention closing of the Violin Octet display, repairs to the instruments. “Every throughout the year at the planning are finally behind us. according to Joe Peknik, the Met’s instrument had some little thing Neurosciences Institute, St. Please take a moment to let the principal musical instrument that needed attention,” McNalley Mark’s Presbyterian Church in editor or the staff at the central technician. Peknik reports that the said. He has found musicians Newport Beach, and the Irvine office know what kinds of things popular exhibit was taken down willing to play, and they are just Barkely Theater, the group will you would like to see on the web. on October 24, 2005 after a run waiting for repairs to be also perform at the annual It’s your site, after all, but to make of 41 months that began on May completed. convention of the Guild of the changes you want, you must 10, 2002. Temporary exhibits American Luthiers in June. tell us what they are! usually are mounted from 6 to 12 McNalley said that the second months, but the Octet display octet purchase was based on his In addition, the Hutchins Consort Octet Drawings Completed. remained popular for much longer realization of how vulnerable the will occupy an informal position as Carleen Hutchins told us recently and always attracted a large group was with only one of each octet-in-residence at the newly that the project to create digital number of visitors. The octet can instrument and player. If a consort created San Diego Conservatory files of the original blue-line octet still be seen by appointment, member suddenly becomes of Music and has already drawings is nearing completion. Peknik says. The Department of unavailable, or if an instrument is presented a duo-concert with the Architect Ted Sheridan of New Musical Instruments provides damaged, there are no conservatory’s string quartet, York City, with assistance from access to qualified researchers. luthier Joris Wouters of Belgium, If you wish to see the Hutchins has been working on the project Octet, call the department at 212 for many months. In addition, the 570 3919 to make arrangements. missing mylar drawings of the treble and mezzo violin, which has Consort Acquires Second forced interested luthiers to work Octet. from sketches, have been Sharon McNalley, Joe McNalley, recovered, according to Hutchins. Carleen Hutchins, and the With the files in digital format, it Hutchins Consort Board of will be much easier to update the Directors have announced that drawings, some of which were the Hutchins Consort has drawn nearly 40 years ago, when purchased a second complete new information becomes octet from Carleen Hutchins. The available. The association is also Octet had been on display at the discussing the possibility of Green Bean’s Productions NVFA central office in Wolfeboro making the drawings available as (NH) after its return from St. The Hutchins Consort on stage during OCTET 2005 a full set on compact disc. 10 New Violin Family Association Newsletter
Coming Events of Interest
National Music Museum to Welcome AMIS, Guild of American Luthiers Convention to Galpin Society, and CIMCIM in May Feature Appearance by Hutchins Consort
The American Musical Instrument including a viol by Antonio Tim Olsen, founder of the Guild McNalley will lead a workshop on Society (AMIS) will hold its 35th Stradivari. A variety of of American Luthiers, has “The History and Practice of annual meeting at the National performances is planned, announced the Guild’s 18th Matched Violin Family Music Museum (NMM) at the including a festival of 18th-century Convention/Exhibition, June 21- Instruments” and New Violin University of South Dakota in keyboard music from Spain and 25, 2006, at Pacific Lutheran Family petting zoo. Vermillion, May 19-23, 2006. This Portugal. An international University, Tacoma, Washington. will be a joint meeting with the gathering of performers will play Hundreds of handmade instru- Galpin Society and the three of the NMM's greatest The Convention/Exhibition serves ments and the builders who cre- International Committee of rarities--the grand piano by to bring luthiers of all specialties ated them will be concentrated in Musical Instrument Museums and Manuel Antunes, Lisbon, 1767; and skill levels from all over North the convention exhibition hall. Collections (CIMCIM) of the the Portuguese harpsichord by America and the world together Olsen calls it “ the ultimate lutherie International Council of José Calisto, 1780; and Joseph to meet and share information and show-and-tell.” There will also be Museums. Kirkman’s magnificent, two- inspiration in a spirit of coopera- a fabulous selection of lutherie manual harpsichord, built in tion and camaraderie; to give woods, tools, and parts for sale Papers will be presented on topics London in 1798. luthiers opportunity to show their at the tables of the many suppli- ranging from medieval drums to work to, and receive feedback ers who will attend. the early violin. Papers on the Individuals who wish to do from, fellow luthiers; and to pro- final day will address the research in the NMM's collections vide stimulating educational lec- Most people, after attending their presentation of musical must make those arrangements tures and demonstrations on a first Guild convention, are over- instruments to the public, a topic in writing, well in advance. wide range of topics of interest to whelmed by the openness and of interest to CIMCIM members, Registration materials and the lutherie community. friendliness of their fellow mem- and will end with an international detailed information are easily bers, and by the wealth of infor- panel discussion on the future of accessible on the NMM's website, This year, the Hutchins Consort mation, contacts, and new ideas musical instrument research.
2006 VSA Convention to include Session on Innovation The Violin Society of America announces its 34th Annual Conven- a day devoted to presentations on innovation made by invited speak- tion to be held from November 6 to 12, 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland. ers and playing demonstrations of selected instruments from the A special feature of this convention will be an exhibition to encour- public innovation exhibition. age innovation in the design and construction of violin family instru- ments, bows, and accessories. Session Chair Fan Tao welcomes The VSA is an international organization of makers and restorers exhibitions of New Violin Family instruments providing they exhibit (amateurs and professional) of instruments and bows, players, col- innovative developments beyond those found in the original models. lectors, dealers, music lovers, violin buffs, conservatories and librar- Tao notes “Our present definition of innovation has no limits, so we’re ies. Other activities of the VSA include publishing The Journal of the not ruling anything out unless we run out of space.” A small fee will Violin Society of America and the VSA Papers, scholarships for stu- be charged, and exhibitors must be VSA members in good standing. dents of violin and bow making, workshops, a library collection held jointly with Oberlin College, and a newsletter. Membership informa- There will be a public exhibition of innovative instruments, bows, and tion is available on the VSA website,
People in The News
Chris Kim photo Louisa Carleen Hutchins’ official recently become interested in Jonesbiographer, used the time to music, saw the concert resigned as expand her knowledge of stringed advertisements and decided to NVFA office instruments as she prepared her go. She found out about the raffle secretary and book on the life and work of at the display in the State Theatre director of Hutchins and the violin octet. lobby and said she had a “very development strong feeling” that she would effective April win. The feeling was so provided 29, 2005 to compelling she bought a single work full-time for New Hampshire ticket, which was all she could North Coast, a short-line railroad. afford. Then she felt a little silly . We wish Jones the best of luck in for taking a chance because she Gabriela Frank (above, right) and her new position, and we have no is not a musician and “didn’t know Cornell University Orchestra doubts that those trains will run what I would do with a violin if I Director Chris Younghoon Kim on time! won it.” When NVFA President provided visited NVFA newsletter editor Paul Laird called Morris’s name, Robert J. Spear (above, left) at SusanNicholas Walker has joined the she screamed for joy. She said his home in Ithaca, NY on March Taylor Albert Consort as contrabassist she took the violin home with her 4, 2005. Frank was in Ithaca to assumed the for the 2005 - 06 season, and he and for the first two days did hear one of her pieces performed position of made his first appearance with nothing but look at it, calling it by the Cornell University NVFA office the recently completed bass at “extraordinary.” After the violin Orchestra. Although she works on secretary in OCTET 2005. Walker received received a little adjustment work the west coast, Frank retains May, 2005. In his DMA in Early Music at from Robert Spear, Morris made close ties to her alma mater, Rice response to Stonybrook (NY) in 2004. He arrangements to take lessons
University, in Texas and has been provided the increased previously studied with Paul with a local teacher. responsible for placing five octet workload due Ellison at Rice University and has instruments at the school for to the demands of OCTET 2005, been mentored by François development and playing. Taylor will be in the office four Rabbath as a Fulbright Scholar. days a week instead of three and Walker has also won awards for provided Chris Twidle will be available Monday, his compositions, many of which reports that Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday feature the contrabass. Walker the Australian from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. was recently appointed to the Octet project Eastern Time (USA). position of contrabass instructor has taken at Ithaca (NY) College School of another small D. Quincy Music, where he hopes to step forward. Whitney, integrate a new violin family octet The group former NVFA into an elective chamber music has settled on using native Trustee, program. Queensland maple for the backs received a
provided Joseph Conrad and traditional European spruce second grant Nicola Morris of Ithaca was the for the tops. While the group tries from New York’s Metropolitan lucky winner of the Conrad “King to locate suitable pieces of maple, Museum of Art to extend her Joseph” violin raffle held during Joseph Conrad’s copy of the several members have started to research fellowship during the the closing concert of OCTET del Gesu “King Joseph” won work on molds. spring of 2005. Whitney, who is 2005. Morris, who had only by Nicola Morris 12 New Violin Family Association Newsletter
A Luthier’s Workbench
Tip #7: Inside Graduation In use, the shaver unavoidably I’ve had a #50 Kunz spokeshave We examine an improbable tool for octet building-- exhibits a small amount of play in in my tool kit for years and never the humble spokeshave-- and present our first-ever the parts. This requires a firm used it. It seemed like it was tool review--the Berbuer Precision Peg Shaver. hand to keep the peg pushed into cheaply made and nothing of the cutter. If the adjustment is not interest for the luthier. Boy, was I turn it around and push it! peg shaver from Germany. exact, chatter and faceting of the wrong!! Working on the interior Offered in sizes for violin/viola and upper part of the peg shaft will archings of the basses in my The tool surprised me with its cello, these peg shavers adjust occur, especially with heavy cello recently completed octet, I think I versatility for violin work. By easily for any realistic shaft taper pegs. Expect a few blisters until found the reason the convex holding one handle still and and diameter. Setting up the you get the hang of it. On the other spokeshave was invented. pushing or pulling the other, I shaver is easy, and I especially hand, the solid construction of the could shave neat arcs and work liked the plastic guide that shaver handles tear-out like precisely in areas that no other accurately positions the blade nothing I’ve used before. I took tool did as well. The irregular when it is replaced. some wretched cello pegs with radius of the sole on my shave shafts torn to near-uselessness in The Kunz No. 50 spokeshave is does not match the radius of the Adjustable shavers have my old fixed shaver, and the commonly available for under blade, but this detail turned out to appeared on the market before Berbuer precision shaver cut $25 on the Internet. be an advantage. Since the blade but never have been accurate them as smooth as glass. Yes, I is not evenly exposed all the way enough for professional use. On was impressed! I was laying a real beating on my around, by tilting the tool from side the other hand, fixed shavers back and shoulders working with to side I was able to choose require little slips of sandpaper to The Berbuer precision peg shaver a gouge and would have used a between two or three different vary the taper, which never seems is a professional tool with a price short scrub plane with a double- depths of cut. This came in so to work right and is a great to match. With shipping, a set of radiused sole if I could find one. handy I would ask that the tool be aggravation. David Berbuer has the two sizes nestled in fitted Instead, I grabbed the Kunz #50 built this way to begin with. plywood boxes costs nearly $600. spokeshave and was pleasantly On the other hand, it is a lifetime surprised at how well it cut across Using the spokeshave makes the tool that will shave any wooden maple grain. It looked pretty small first rough interior graduation peg in the octet set--although it inside that octet contrabass, but I much more precise and very was not designed for that found I could remove a lot of wood nearly removes a step in the purpose. Berbuer will even let you quickly because the tool allowed process, which can be a real time try it out at no charge. If you don’t me to use a full-length arm stroke. saver. Alas, the little #50 did not like it, you simply send it back. The tool’s upward-arched handles do well at all shaving across the makes this the only spokeshave I grain of spruce, although it cut Make me a good offer on my old have seen that can be used in this along the grain very well. The Berbuer Precision Peg brass shavers and I’ll throw in the application. Shaver in action. 25 little slips of sandpaper that I Tip #8: Shaving Pegs won’t be needing any more! I’m The small head of the tool is a Nothing bedevils octet builders neatly solved both problems with keeping my Berbuer shaver! You great advantage because it can more than finding the right-sized his shaver by using a unique can learn more about the be used on most areas regardless pegs. If we stumble over double adjustment for the taper. precision peg shaver (and polish of the radius, and it also can be something that actually works, This means that to reduce the up your high school German) at used on baritones, tenors, and how do we shave so many opening of the shaver, two screws
Letters to the Editor
Counting Heads. shoulders in a non-judgmental This kind of put me off, but now I long-time collaborator and I really wasn’t sure about your atmosphere of shared discovery! read that what’s needed is a associate of Carleen Hutchins statement in the last newsletter - - Patrick combination of cello and viola and a proponent of the New Violin that the octet in the Metropolitan Tobin lives on techniques. Play it cello-style, but Family instruments. Museum had been seen by more the left side of finger it viola-style. That’s got me than a million people. My the country and thinking maybe there’s hope after Huzzah! . . . colleagues and I sat down with researches the all! Have an unused alto hanging Please accept an enthusiastic our figures and I must say that history of the alto around that I could borrow? ‘Huzzah!’ for all who made the now I agree with you. Even we and tenor violins. NVFA conference such a magical were surprised by the big Brett Allen, event. It was an amazing numbers! Impressed With the Playing. a professional accomplishment! [Albert Consort] - - Joe Peknik I enjoyed the OCTET 2005 musician, sounded fabulous, and it was is a trustee of concert [at the State Theatre] on plays on a clear how much the instruments the NVFA and several levels, and I congratulate Hutchins viola inspired [them] to play with such principal you on your courage and and is a love and passion. Dr. Hutchins technician in determination to explore a new longtime must be very proud. the musical path, knowing how deeply supporter of the New Violin --Omar instrument department at the entrenched the traditional violin Family. Firestone is a Metropolitan Museum of Art. family is over several centuries. I cellist who plays was very impressed with the level Worth the Wait. tenor violin in A World of Kindred Spirits. of playing and how the choice of [The convention] went very well. the Hutchins Now that I’m back in Portland music allowed the listener to The musical programs were Consort. (OR) [after the convention --ed.], make mental comparisons with grand, both ensemble and solo. I have a strong feeling that I am the more traditional instruments. This was my first time to hear the on the wrong end of the country! All in all, it was a stimulating octet instruments professionally Didn’t Want to Leave . . . Simultaneous immersion in the experience. Bravo to you and all played and live. Next, I could “I thought the conference in Ithaca technical and musical aspects of who contributed to a most renew acquaintance with a was great. It was wonderful to the Octet during OCTET 2005 not stimulating and enjoyable concert. number of old friends from the 112 hear all the instruments and to only validates my tinkering and - -Meyer Stolov is a Essex shop in the 1970’s and meet others who also like them. I playing ramblings but also has violinist and a former 80’s, finding that we still have the much appreciate all the work you revealed a world of kindred spirits. concertmaster of the Royal Opera same interests and can put into it. My only complaints are Until now, I thought I was alone! House Orchestra, Covent sometimes help each other. that it was too short--I didn’t want Garden, U.K. to go home--and that I might have The “hands on” experience with Most important to me, I picked up to wait a while for the next one.” plate tuning will allow me to Notes on the Alto. some pointers that have helped -- proceed with projects for a tenor I enjoyed perusing the Spring 05 me in my struggles with the alto. Marty and a baritone. Playing my alto for newsletter. That’s a lot of work for Sometimes I wonder about the Kaszprzyk the first time in a New Violin you considering the membership! future of many of the octet lives in Family orchestra for the Tallis The article on the alto violin instruments, but I have no such Rochester, confirms my migration from “chin caught my attention. I suppose doubts about the importance of New York, fiddle” viola to vertical alto as a the alto can be played on the the alto. In recent years it has and is an natural progression, removing shoulder by guys with hands that saved my musical life. What I active violin obstacles and revealing vast new hang down to their knees, but for learned in Ithaca about strings researcher. potentialities (and it was the the rest of us I concluded a long and bows has made my ultimate interactive surround- time ago that it HAS to be played instrument even more enjoyable. There’s a Future in This . . . sound experience!). It was both cello-style. I hope you will do this again! “I’m a cello player, basically. refreshing and empowering to rub - -Carolyn Field is a I play alto violin in the Hutchins continued next page 14 New Violin Family Association Newsletter
Letter From the Editor
Consort because it’s fun to do It’s Over, Thank You! again. Thanks, Dean and Ted. convention, I gave up all other something that’s a little different Now that OCTET 2005 is behind personal and professional work to or out of the ordinary, but I con- us, I find myself tired, happy, and Thanks to NVFA Trustees Joe attend to the demands of sider myself a cellist first. After looking forward to the next McNalley, who pulled my convention organizing, and coming to this convention and convention--especially because chestnuts from the fire more than Deena assumed all our financial playing with other octet musicians someone else will be the once when cancellations left burdens. To put it simply, without from different groups, I’m begin- Organizing Committee Chair! A gaping holes in our schedule, and Deena there would be no Albert ning to think about the whole thing fond look back reminds me that Lin Tollefsen, whose services as Consort and no octet of differently. I’m beginning to see even though I operated mostly as videographer made us a great instruments for them to play; that there is a real future in this.” a committee of one, a project of record of a unique event. Thanks, without Deena there would be no --Carolyn Tyler Lechusza is this size and scope requires the Joe and Lin. newsletter; and without Deena a cellist who plays alto violin in the help of a number of people. Octet 2005 would never have Hutchins Consort. I’d like to thank Sue Taylor for happened with me as chairman. First, a tip of my hat to Carleen hanging in there at the office Thanks, Sweetie! News and Compliments. Hutchins. Without her resources during the turmoil. Thanks also to During the meeting of the and her resourcefulness, the NVFA President Paul Laird, Tom Many have asked me what I Technical Committee on Musical convention would have been King, Al Carruth, Tom Knatt, and thought of the convention. I tell Acoustics at the recent gathering much, much less an event, if it had others who took on the role of them that I don’t know because I of the Acoustical Society of happened at all. Supportive to a session chairmen. Thanks to all never got the chance to attend! America in Vancouver [2005 -- fault, and with the understanding who came to play so beautifully. Next time will be different, and I’ll ed.], the chairman passed out that comes from long years in the And thanks to all those whom I get the opportunity to chat with all brochures and newsletters about trenches, she took on my errors may have forgotten to mention by the people I missed this time. the Octet, as well as a preliminary as her own and made me look name. Many thanks! program for OCTET 2005. I was much better at the task than I R. J. Spear, Editor most interested to read the really was. Thank you, Carleen. I have been told that I tend to save PO Box 6562 newsletter [Vol. 2, no. 3--ed.], the best for last, so this is the time Ithaca, NY 14851 which had not then reached me Thanks also to NVFA Trustees to publicly thank my wife, Deena, [email protected] in Ottawa, and I want to Dean Richardson and Ted Jones, for her help and support. This compliment you on its scope and who became the other two horses support went far beyond simply quality. I had not realized that the in harness when the scope of the being a comforting helpmate. instruments were spreading so convention became too great for Deena assumed increasing well and so far, and I was also me to handle alone. Despite the amounts of the household interested to learn that so many sporadic and spirited discussions burdens during the years (yes, high-powered players had that some might characterize as years) that led up to the adopted the new instruments for arguments, these are two guys I’d convention. During the period of regular use. Excellent work! want at my side if I had to do this time between July 5, 2005 and the - -Fred Lipsett of Ottawa is a retired physicist and Violin Octet Newsletter Send concert and event is published twice each year by The New Violin Family Association, alto player who also serves on the notices to
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NVFA Officers and Board
President Executive Secretary Joseph Peknik, III Stephen Nachmanovitch Paul R. Laird Sue Taylor F. Scott Ponicsan Grigori Sedukh First Vice-President Margaret H. Sachter, Esq. Robert J. Spear John Cavanaugh Trustees Lin Tollefsen Chris Twidle Second Vice-President Elias Abelson Tim Trott Duane Voskuil Francis Furlong Joseph F. Conrad II James Weigel Secretary Daniel Heifetz Advisory Board Mary Williams Pamela Proscia Theodore A. Jones Alan Carruth Robert Wilkins Treasurer André P. Larson Carolyn Wilson Field Joris Wouters Charles J. Rooney, Jr. Donald Joseph McNalley Frances Fielding Sharon McNalley Elizabeth Haeger Newsletter Editor Executive Director Edith Munro Thomas Knatt Robert J. Spear Carleen M. Hutchins Robert Nersasian, MD Frederick Lipsett The New Violin Family Association, Inc. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 42 Taylor Drive U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 15 Wolfeboro, NH 03894 MIRROR LAKE, NH 03853 phone: 603 569 7946 email:
This Issue: First International Convention
Playing for the World ...... 1 Totally Tallis ...... 4 Abstracts of Papers ...... 6 Events of Interest ...... 7 Treble Trials ...... 8 News in Brief ...... 9 Heard in the Hall ...... 10 People in the News ...... 11 Luthier’s Workbench ...... 12 Letters ...... 14
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Octet Violins on Compact Disc. Classified For the convenience of our read- ers, many of our compact discs 17 3/16” Viola by Carleen now can be obtained online Hutchins 1978. Powerful for solo through CD Baby, where you can playing, but sweet. Asking also find recordings by indepen- $20,000. Randall Vemer dent artists such as Chien Tan
The mission of the New Violin Family Association is to educate the public about the new violin instruments through writings, concerts, lectures, and demonstrations; to encourage players to use the octet violins in public performance and teaching; to stimulate the composition of music for the violin octet and to make such music available to the public at large; to instruct others in the making of octet violins; and to sponsor the collection and preservation of documents and other material relating to these violins and their develop- ment so that such archives are generally available.