What viola(s) did Menuhin play on recordings ?

May 7, 2012 at 03:00 PM · Because I've been asked questions about viola design recently, I looked up what famous players have used. Whilst is soon emerged that D.Oistrakh and Primrose played Andrea Guarneris I didn't manage to find out what Menuhin used. The Sotheby's sale of his remaining instruments list 3 violas, 2 by Otto Erdesz (both 1977) and one Vatelot, also 1977. These were all made after the one Menuhin/viola recording I have, "Harold in Italy" which dates from 1963.

As a "fiddler" I'm enchanted by his playing on that LP, but I recall a professional violist scornfully remarking that this was not the "real viola sound".

Does anyone know what he played on ??

Replies (2)

Brian Lee

May 7, 2012 at 04:39 PM ·

David Beck

May 8, 2012 at 06:03 AM · Thanks, Brian Lee. Yes, I contacted David Wiebe who confirmed that he made TWO violas for Menuhin, the larger of which Yehudi played on a recording of the Brahms Op. 120 Sonatas (originally for clarinet). I find there's a youtube clip from the E flat sonata, a violist's favourite.

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