Honore Derazey Violin Mirecourt 1860

This violin was made by Jean Joseph Honoré Derazey in Mirecourt, in 1860. Derazey was born in 1794 in Darney, just south of Mirecourt, and subsequently moved to Mirecourt to complete his apprenticeship as a violin maker. He subsequently moved on to Paris, where he moved through several workshops. Between 1830 and 1839, he joined the workshop of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, where he found himself in quite a privileged position, often collaborating with Vuillaume himself. In 1840, Derazey returned to Mirecourt to establish his own workshop. He was quite prolific during his time and successful too among a variety of Expositions, winning “Médaille de 1º classe” at the 1855 Universal Exposition in Paris, and a silver medal at the 1862 Universal Exposition in London. He was succeeded by his son Justin Derazey in 1879. 

It is labelled "H. Derazey / A Mirecourt / Médaille de 1. Classe / Exposition universelle 1855." The body measures 360mm along the back, 171mm across the upper bouts and 210mm across the lower bouts. It has a one-piece back of highly flamed maple with a moderate curl, and matching ribs and scroll. The front is a tightly grained spruce, and the violin is finished with amber-red varnish on a yellow ground, and rosewood fittings. It is in good condition. 

The violin has a rich and warm sound, layered with complexity and openness, with a very easy playability in terms of string height and neck shape. It combines the best of classic French violin sound, with its sweet singing quality, with an almost Italianate sense of intensity and breadth. Its lower register is full and strong, even high in position, and its upper registers are clean, precise, and rounded. This violin would very well support a professional player in any form of performance, and would shine especially well in solo repertoire. 

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this gorgeous French violin.