Mirecourt Violin, Breton Copy

Since the violin label is missing on this violin, only the brand mark “Breton” on the button is the only indication of the instrument’s origin. François Breton, one of the most important Mirecourt violin makers of the first half of the 19th century, was copied many times after his death. Especially the great violin makers such as Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy and Laberte-Humbert built entire series bearing the Breton name. The quality ranged from simple student violins to orchestral instruments that had to meet professional standards.

The translucent orange-brown varnish reveals an evenly close-grained maple and the yellowish shimmering primer. The well-maintained instrument shows few signs of wear. The sound is balanced and slightly sharp. The tone responds clearly in all registers and positions. Expressive playing reveals a sweet tone at times, while the singing character of the violin becomes audible much faster, be it in the lows or highs, in forte or piano.