František Kříž , Praha 1936

František Karel Kříž (1887 Prague – 1943 Albrechtice) was son of Cyril Kříž, a professor of academic gymnasium in Prague, an amateur violin maker who had a deep theoretical knowledge on constuction and acoustics of violins, who experimented and researched. František respected his father very much and followed him in various things. Since 1903 he learned in the violin making school in Luby (then Schönbach) and later in Markneukirchen where he graduated in 1906. After that he worked in Markneukirchen, Leipzig, Swiss Saarbrücken and finally in Zürich at Hugh who owned a beautiful example of Stradivari violin. After his return to Prague he obtained his trade licence on 5. 2. 1910 there.

František Kříž spent the whole WW1 as a soldier. Later he often spoke about its ravages he witnessed. Kříž was popular and respected by many musicians and violin making fans. He lived a bohemian life and despite having a solid income, he remained rather poor. He was also a skillful violinist and understood tone very well. The sound was the main value for him and neglected the aesthetics, despite he was able to work very precisely. On purpose he often chose plain maple because in his opinion it sounded best. He mostly used the Guarneri model and pre-made parts. He said it is pointless if he does work which others can do. He would rather concentrate on finishing and tonal optimization.

Between 1919-20 Kříž worked as the curator of the musical instruments archive of the Prague Conservatory. Later only as resorer and teacher of musical instruments’ education. At a stocktaking discrepancies were found and in 1924 a criminal prosecution with him and the Prague Conservatory was iniciated, concerning misappropriation of instruments. Kříž was arrested 22. 4. 1925, however one month later the prosecution was stopped and Kříž was liberated from accusation.

Financial problems and slanders preceded Kříž terminating his trade licence in Prague and leaving for Olomouc (a town in Moravia) in 1937. He was not happy here though, he missed the liveliness of a big town. In 1942 he moved to Albrechtice where he remained until his death.

This violin is in every aspect a typical example of Kříž’s work made after the Guarneri model, incl. use of plain maple. It is in perfect condition. The sound is excellent.