The Rebirth of the Baroque violin

How best to approach the performance of early music has long been a bone of contention. The same can be said of the instruments used in playing it. The Amsterdam violin maker Fred Lindeman is a pioneer in this field. His workshop rapidly acquired an outstanding reputation that extended far beyond the Dutch borders.

In the 1960s, Lindeman was asked to consider the question of what violins had looked like when they were first made in past centuries. He also made a study of the bows, strings and other accessories used in playing the instrument. 

Prominent musicians in the field of early music such as Sigiswald Kuyken, Marie Leonhardt and Jaap Schröder discussed the topic with him, encouraged him in his quest, and asked him to restore their instruments in accordance with the specifications of those earlier times. Later, museums came with similar requests.

Many beautiful instruments have passed through Lindeman's hands, including exquisite masterpieces. The results of his work can be heard in many concerts and on numerous records and CDs and admired in instrument collections.

Having more or less ceased his restoration work on account of his age, Fred Lindeman has since committed to paper the details of his search to discover the original state of stringed instruments and the changes that have taken place over the years. His style of writing, aimed at professionals and music lovers alike, reflects the same highly personal commitment he always displayed throughout his professional life.