Chloe Robinson

Chloe Robinson is from Oberlin, Ohio.

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January 2008

The new man...or violin..in town

Well, I said I was only going to visit V.com temporarily to ask one question on the Discussion Boards, but I felt like I had something interesting to share, so I figured I'd throw in a blog entry while I was here for good measure. (And because I miss some of the folks I really enjoyed chatting with back in the good old days of 2003, ha)

So, at the end of a particularly good lesson yesterday, my teacher asked me if I'd like to try one of the Gagliano violins that the school owns for my upcoming recital in February. At first, I was pretty sure it was a bad idea. I play on my mom's old fiddle, and it means a lot to me to get to perform on it. Also, the Ysaye I'm playing is pretty complicated, and I was worried it would be an awkward transition between instruments. But, realizing that it would be completely stupid to pass up the chance to play on such an amazing violin, I went over to the Annex today, and picked up the violin.

It's a 1777 decorated Gagliano instrument, and oh my, it's everything I dreamed of. There's a symmetry and simplicity to the fiddle that I've never experienced in my life. The tone is unwavering and is almost glittery no matter where you play in the bow. It's a constant, warm, glowing sound. The ease with which you can produce a fluid sound is amazing...almost strange. The Eing is so crisp and the Ging sings so well. I realize I'm going on like a crazy person, but this is definitely one of the highlights of my violin career so far. I suppose a downside is that it's slightly smaller than my violin, but I am certainly not complaining about having to put a few extra hours in to get used to the difference. The hardest part will be giving it back after my recital, I'm sure!

When my mom had a violin made for her by Kurt Widenhouse in the late 90s, she said the moment she played it, her eyes welled up and she was just overcome by it. Now, I won't say the heavens opened and St. Cecilia herself came down, but it is a surreal experience to play such a fine instrument.

I need to end all of this swooning by saying I have no idea why I deserve to use this instrument. There are about 12 other violinists giving their senior recitals this year, and I am in no way more deserving than they are. It's extremely humbling to be able to play on the Gagliano, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. And now, I just hope I don't sneeze while playing and drop it! (haha)

Anyhow, I probably will not blog regularly, but I just wanted to pop in and share, what I feel, is a unique experience.

Regards (and prunes) to the oldies :)

-C

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