Klarinet Archive - Posting 000007.txt from 2002/09

From: MVinquist@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Pouchette Violins
Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2002 10:47:25 -0400

Congratulations and many thanks to Audrey Travis for the great description of
the Paris museums. I can help on one item.

"Pouchette" means "pocket" in French. Pouchette Violins, a/k/a Kit Violins
or Dancing Master's Fiddles, were designed for portability. Dancing masters
(i.e., teachers) brought them to wealthy patron's houses to teach dancing.
They were also used by itinerant musicians, who could whip out a fiddle and
play dance music to make money at any opportunity.

Remember that with the violin, unlike the clarinet, the entire body
resonates, projecting the sound from every part. Also, the resonating
chamber of a pouchette is small. Thus, it makes a small, thin tone, which is
nevertheless penetrating. There have been some recordings made, mostly of
dance music, using the instrument.

The great makers made at least some pouchettes, undoubtedly for presentation
to wealthy patrons rather than use. At an exhibition at the Metropolitan
Museum in New York some years ago, they had a gorgeous pouchette by
Guarnarius, absolutely pristine. I'm pretty sure the Met has a pouchette on
display in its permanent collection.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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