Alfred Stelzner
|
Alfred Stelzner (November 29, 1852 - July 9, 1906) was a composer and designer of string instruments.
Alfred Stelzner was born in Hamburg, Germany and educated in both music and mathematics. He produced string instruments of his own design in Wiesbaden and then in Dresden. Two instruments of his invention were the violotta and cellone. The violotta is tuned an octave below the violin, and possesses a timbre between that of the viola and cello. 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 and the German composer Felix Draeseke composed his Quintet in A Major specifically for Stelzner instruments. Stelzner's company eventually failed and entered bankruptcy. Faced with overwhelming financial difficulties, Stelzner committed suicide at his home in Dresden.
References
J. Christensen. Dr Stelzner’s original instruments. The Strad 112:1120-1127 (2001).
External links
- Dr. Alfred Stelzner: Pioneer in Violin Acoustic (http://www.draeseke.org/essays/christensen2003.htm)