Sebastian Rauch , Litoměřice 1767

This violoncello is a typical example of the work of the wide spread Rauch family which settled mostly in the Czech-German boarderlands, particularly in Chomutov. It is an instrument of high arched the baroque type. The shape of the archings is as called “angular”, which means the plates are flat in the middle but the arching suddenly descends to the deep channel along the edges. This kind of arching was common also in Saxony at that time. The varnish is very dark which is also a typical characteristics of the Rauchs.

Neverthesess, this instrument is an important historical artefact, today over 250 years old. The condition reflects this age. The cello passed many repaires, incl. those of both sound post cracks. However, it holds togerher well and no further repair is urgent to do today. Also there is not only the original varnish on the instrument but also several later layers. However, the original varnish is easily detectable.

The sound is soft and fulfills the expectation of an old instrument. The sound and age is the greatest value of this instrument.

Sebastian Rauch (3) was born 1.12.1711 in Prague and died 28.11.1801 in Leitmeritz. He was the son and pupil of the Prague’s violin maker Sebastian Rauch (1). He married first in Chomutov 3.2.1739 with Ann Katharina Lessig, second time in Leitmeritz 11.1.1774 with Josephine Beck. He obtained the citizenship of Leitmeritz on 13.5.1755. Worked after the model of Jacobus Stainer.