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Viola by Alexandra Apenberg and Usa von Stietencron, Newark, 2004
About Alexandra Apenberg and Usa J. von Stietencron
Alexandra Apenberg and Usa von Stietencron both studied at the Newark School of Violin Making. A third generation violin maker, Usa went on to work in some of Europe's most highly-respected workshops before setting up in Vienna in 2012. Alexandra arrived at Newark having already obtained diplomas in both Mirecourt and Bubenreuth, and having worked in a number of workshops in London. She went on to set up her own workshop in France and now latterly in the Thuringian forest in Germany.
Both Alexandra and Usa also play string instruments (viola and cello respectively). This viola was commissioned by their next door neighbour whilst the two shared a student house.
About this viola
This viola was made in Newark whilst Alexandra and Usa were studying together at the Newark School of Violin Making. It is a small viola modelled after the instruments of Guadagnini.
The viola has a two piece back of book-matched maple. The ribs are of similar wood and the head is more plain. The front is two pieces of fairly fine-grained spruce and the varnish is a rich reddish-amber in colour.
The viola has a length of back 15 and 7/8 inches of 401 mm.
How does it sound?
This is a very classy instrument with a noble character. Whilst it responds enthusiastically to all sorts of playing styles, the instrument never sacrifices the quality of sound and descends into something strident or unpleasant.
Condition
The viola is in superb original condition. Charmingly, the label bears the inscription 'to Fred', the next door neighbour who commissioned the viola.
Further information
Please get in touch for more details about this small contemporary viola by Alexandra Apenberg and Usa von Stietencron for sale and a member of our team will get back to you.