Mittenwald is in Germany on the Austrian Border. It is situated in a village overlooked by the Alps.
It became a famous violin-making centre just over 300 years ago when Mathias Klotz set himself up as the local violin maker. His skill was developed by trained violin makers in this area leading to the success of the Mittenwald school of violin makers.
Apart from the very good ice cream shops, the artistic legacy is there for all to see; there are pictures painted on buildings
which reflect the immense amount of artistic creativity centred on violin making.
The Bavarian school of violin makers is linked with all other centres of violin making because of the impact of the Alps. Here, pine grows in the highest areas where the air is very pure, producing a very good quality wood which is characterised by close-growing annual rings ideal for good sound production.
Hi Ron,
I was very interested in reading your post re.Mittenwald as it reminded me of a time spent at Schloss Elmau in 1969 and acting as chief page turner for the musicians who gave concerts there!
Also,I believe that you knew Darrell Wade in Stafford,where I used to live.He taught my sister Rosalind and in fact he took several photographs of her holding the violin which he intended using in his violin tutor,although they were never used.
I wondered whether you had any information re. his career after 1968?