Portrait
Frederic Chaudiere is possibly the best-known violin maker in France. His workshop, opened in 1986, is in the Hotel Magnol in Montpellier, where he builds violins, violas and cellos for musicians all over the world.
His work has an immediately recognisable signature: a deep red and honey-brown varnish that lifts the natural grain of the wood rather than hiding it, and backs of strongly flamed maple chosen for acoustic as much as visual reasons. He works most often to Guarneri models. His son Octave is also a maker, and the family influence runs in both directions.
Chaudiere instruments have been played by Ruggiero Ricci and Alexandre Sitkovetsky, among many other established soloists internationally.
Frederic makes instruments of consistently very high quality and the ones we have handled have all shown the same character. The sound is a dark Guarneri sound with real weight on the G string, and the natural fullness of the instrument lets it resonate freely, which gives a player a great deal of flexibility. Against that darkness sits an impressive brilliance and projection on the E string. It is that combination of power and colour range that makes his violins among the most versatile we carry.
Played by
Ruggiero Ricci, Alexandre Sitkovetsky
Elsewhere
Compare instruments against each other, and against an antique, in a blind test with studio audio. No labels until you have chosen.
What models does Frédéric Chaudière work from?
Guarneri del Gesu.
Who plays Frédéric Chaudière instruments?
Ruggiero Ricci and Alexandre Sitkovetsky, alongside professional players internationally.
Where are Frédéric Chaudière instruments made?
In Montpellier, France. Every instrument is then set up and checked in our own London workshop before it reaches a player.
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