Giving Thanks to the Violin in Prague

September 19, 2021

In elementary school, I had a short-lived career as violinist. My efforts to play resulted in screeching sounds from the instrument. I was terrible. My family’s ears were undoubtedly relieved when decided to switch to another activity.

Despite having retired my bow, I still have a soft spot for the instrument. While in Prague, when I discovered that I could tour and visit the atelier of a master violin maker, I was over the moon. If I was Winnie the Pooh’s buddy Tigger, I would have been joyfully bouncing on my tail.

Better than Santa’s Workshop

My time at the workshop of Ivan Švýcarský was immersive. I learned the history of the violin. I learned how violin makers are trained. I learned how the instruments are crafted. I learned how they are tuned. I learned how they are maintained and restored. I was in awe and completely beside myself. It made me want to try the violin again. It was that amazing!

Shape of a violin traced in blocks of wood before cutting and carving. — Outline of a violin on a piece of wood

Violins at various stages of creation in a Prague workshop — Work in progress

My fondness for the violin evolved into a broader love of classical music. Prague is a haven for the classical music aficionado. Music is so ingrained in the culture that learning an instrument is a rite of passage for a Czech child. Hey, the city was once the stomping ground of Mozart.

A Classical Afternoon

Unfortunately, summer is downtime for Prague’s philharmonic and other orchestral bodies. However, I still had noteworthy experiences.

Municipal House is home to Smetana Hall, which is the primary venue for the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. I enjoyed a small concert featuring a quintet that delighted us with works by Vivaldi, Mozart and Dvořák, among others. There is something about hearing magnificent music in an equally splendid space. Maybe it sounds better?

Five string instrument performers on stage at Prague's Smetana Hall — Afternoon quintet performance at Smetana Hall

Performances by talented, career musicians are readily woven into in everyday experiences, such a museum visit. For a lunchtime concert, I heard a trio while visiting Lobkowicz Palace, a small museum on the grounds of Prague Castle. One gallery showcases 300+ years of the family’s love and support of music. An interesting detail about this family is that Beethoven was so beloved that he was on their payroll. A Lobkowicz descendant provided him an annual stipend, until his death, that provided enough financial security that he could focus on composing rather than seek commissions or take on several students.

Receipt signed by Beethoven for new string quartets

Printed first edition of Beethoven’s Grand Concerto Concertant in C

Although I did not end up a legendary violinist, I have spent the time since appreciating the gifts of those who are. Prague certainly indulged me. Even if you do not think you would enjoy classical, give it a try. Trust me. You will be moved.