Antonio Pace Vertical Viola – Spectacular!!!
This is a ‘vertical viola’ made by Antonio Pace in 1993. He
worked at this time with Hammond Ashley. Both Hammond and Pace were no doubt
keen on the work of Carleen Hutchins who notably had made the famous ‘octet’ of
violins. This is a remarkable instrument. Its voice quite wonderful. It can be
played both ‘vertical’ or ‘da spalla’ (on the shoulder with a strap) (or)
however one finds to hold it (opinion).
Antonio Pace born of Italian immigrant parents 7 July 1914.
He died 18 February 2004. He earned his PhD at Princeton and taught as a
professor the Romance Languages. He published several books and articles. In
1963, he was awarded the Italian Knighthood in the Order of Merit. Upon
retirement from teaching, his lifelong involvement in music and his interest in
the structure and the acoustics of string instruments led directly to his
employment with Hammond Ashley Associates, Luthiers of Seattle.
He was known for meticulous craftsmanship. He developed many
new violin designs of which several examples survive. He was a teacher beloved
by students and a scholar respected by peers. His memory is revered by all who
knew him for his gentle decency, his wry humor, and his capacity for loyalty to
friends, institutions, and principles.
The story is told that as a boy young Antonio would run
around singing like a little bird. His singing however ceased abruptly for
reasons unknown. His musical impulses rechanneled later into playing violin,
cello and guitar, and into lutherie.
I also have a 5-string viola made by Antonio Pace. I prefer
4-string but this is a delight to play. It performs very well and it is just so
entirely original.
Very rare…
Alan