- Alfred Stelzner
Alfred Stelzner (
November 29 ,1852 -July 9 ,1906 ) was a composer and designer ofstring instrument s.Alfred Stelzner was born in
Hamburg ,Germany and educated in music, physics and mathematics. He produced string instruments of his own design in Wiesbaden and then in Dresden. Two instruments of his invention were theviolotta andcellone . The violotta is tuned an octave below theviolin , and possesses atimbre between that of theviola andcello . The cellone, a large cello, is tuned between the cello and string bass. His instruments received praise and endorsements from major figures of the day, includingimpresario Alfred Schulz-Curtius ,cite web |url= http://www.draeseke.org/stelzner/christensen0601.htm |title= Dr. Alfred Stelzner: Pioneer in Violin Acoustics |author= James Christensen |work= International Draeseke Society |quote= ] and the German composerFelix Draeseke composed his "Quintet in A Major" specifically for Stelzner instruments.Stelzner began production of his new instruments in 1889 and continued to make them until 1900. He vigorously promoted his instruments through advertising and obtained endorsements from many famous musicians of the day, including
Joseph Joachim ,Eugène Ysaÿe ,David Popper , andAugust Wilhelmj . In addition, he helped sponsor competitions in various categories such as orchestral symphonies, opera and chamber music.Stelzner's company eventually failed and entered bankruptcy. Faced with overwhelming financial difficulties, Stelzner committed
suicide at his home in Dresden in 1906.References
:* J. Christensen. "Dr Stelzner’s original instruments" ( [http://www.draeseke.org/stelzner/J-Christensen.pdf article] ) "The Strad," 112:1120-1127 (2001)
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