Violin by Roger & Max Millant, Paris 1946
Built in 1949, this violin, No. 255, was originally part of a matched quartet that was built for the "Premiers Prix/Expositions-Concours Internationaux de Lutherie Moderne" in Cremona. The brothers, Roger and Max Millant were awarded a Gold Medal for their quartet that year.
It is covered in the pristine and lustrous orange-red varnish characteristic of the Millants and produces a tone that is steady and powerful in all registers. Constructed using top-flight materials, a heavily flamed and figured two piece back and similar flaming on the ribs and scroll make this violin as captivating to view as to play.
This violin delivers remarkable volume and projection, with a clear, powerful tone. The upper register plays with a penetrating brilliance and shimmering quality, the middle register brings exceptional clarity, and the lower register remains crisp, articulate, and powerfully resonant.
This breath-taking violin from the bench of Roger and Max Millant is in a remarkable state of health and would be a fine instrument for a discerning professional, collector, or benefactor.
Written by Felix Hernandez-Jones
