Čestmír Musil , Praha 1938

Čestmír Musil was born 12.12.1913 in Kyšperk (now Letohrad), died 17.8.2001. Son of Jan Musil, violin maker and wood carver. He started to learn violi making at his father but later 1929-1931 graduated at the violin making school in Schönbach. Between 1931 and 1933 worked in musical instruments factory of Just in Přerov. 1934-1937 worked at violin maker František Kříž in Prague. In 1937 became independent when Kříž left for Olomouc and Musil overtook his workshop. In 1959 Musil became a member of the Circle of Czech Master Violinmakers. His workmanship is in any way very precize and proper. It seems to reflect his enormous modesty. As long as he worked for Kříž, he matched his style closely. Yet several instruments by Kříž from that time were built by Musil. First later he developed his own style. Musil was also a respected expert of bowed onstruments.

V. Pilař in his book THE ART OF VIOLIN MAKERS states that Čestmír Musil made only 2 violoncellos. This must be one of them which makes it quite a precious thing. Its style certainly does remind of that of Kříž. Aestheticalwise there is nothing to reproach. It was built after the Stradivari model. The sound is rather closed but very well ballanced and with a nice colour.