Karel Josef Dvořák , Praha 1943

Karel Josef Dvorak was born 19. 5. 1887 in Prague, died 31. 8. 1947 in Ricany near Prague. One of the most important Czech masters of the last century and the last member of the Prague violin maker’s dynasty Dvoraks. Son of violin maker Jaroslav Dvorak but pupil of his uncle Karel Boromeus Dvorak in Prague. After apprenticeship he worked in Linz at Eduard Heidegger, at the Samal brothers in Prague, at Antonin Pilar in Berlin, at Georg Rauer in Vienna, at Eugen Gärtner in Stuttgart and some time in France. After World War I he returned to Prague and started working independently in Zizkov quarter. Later purchased the workshop of K. B. Dvorak in Husova street and his father’s one in Spalena street. In 1946 he moved his workshop to Purkynova street and worked there until his death. K. J. Dvorak was the chairman of the violin maker’s section of The Association of Music Instruments’ Makers. In the years 1926-1930 he tought Ladislav Prokop and 1928-1932 Bohumil Prokop. Dvorak’s workmanship was precize. He surpassed his father soon and rather followed up on his renowned uncle K. B. Dvorak. He worked after the models of Stradivari, Guarneri and Lupot. He was also respected as an expert of old instruments.

This viola is at first sight attractive with the condition: like new! Moreover it is a typical work of Karel Josef Dovořák made from the base (not from premade parts). All is typical incl. soft edges, drop-like eyes of the scroll and triangularish button of the back. The viola is after model Guarneri del Gesú as evident at the outline, design of the ff holes and even somewhat crooked scroll, on purpose of course. The edgework is very fine. The author chose first class material: spruce with very fine grain and beautiful slab sawn maple for the back and ribs. The head is also from a slab and the whole instrument looks very well balanced. Also the orange soft oil varnish is typical, however it is not crackeled as usual on Dvařák’s instruments. The condition is 100% without any damage at all. Even the bridge and pegs are oroginal.

The sound is surprisingly good. One can expect a problem with sound at an instrument which has never been played. However, this is not the case. I have no idea why this viola has never been played. Today it may be even pitty to use it again when it is so well preserved. I would best like to see it in a collection or museum. 🙂