Antonio Pace Vertical Viola - Spectacular!!!

Description

Antonio Pace Vertical Viola - Spectacular!!!
This is a 'vertical viola' made by Antonio Pace in 1993. He worked at this time with Hammond Ashley. Both Hammond and Pace were no doubt keen on the work of Carleen Hutchins who notably had made the famous 'octet' of violins. This is a remarkable instrument. Its voice quite wonderful. It can be played both 'vertical' or 'da spalla' (on the shoulder with a strap) (or) however one finds to hold it (opinion).
Antonio Pace born of Italian immigrant parents 7 July 1914. He died 18 February 2004. He earned his PhD at Princeton and taught as a professor the Romance Languages. He published several books and articles. In 1963, he was awarded the Italian Knighthood in the Order of Merit. Upon retirement from teaching, his lifelong involvement in music and his interest in the structure and the acoustics of string instruments led directly to his employment with Hammond Ashley Associates, Luthiers of Seattle.
He was known for meticulous craftsmanship. He developed many new violin designs of which several examples survive. He was a teacher beloved by students and a scholar respected by peers. His memory is revered by all who knew him for his gentle decency, his wry humor, and his capacity for loyalty to friends, institutions, and principles.
The story is told that as a boy young Antonio would run around singing like a little bird. His singing however ceased abruptly for reasons unknown. His musical impulses rechanneled later into playing violin, cello and guitar, and into lutherie.
I also have a 5-string viola made by Antonio Pace. I prefer 4-string but this is a delight to play. It performs very well and it is just so entirely original.
Very rare...
Alan