Musical autobiography
Günther H. Lobe
I have long been fascinated by the instruments of the old Italian masters. The rich tone of a Stradivarius violin, the warm timbre of a Guarneri, the singing radiant tone of a Goffriller cello... instruments such as these, with their powerful expressiveness, their rich tone color and volume, and their antique beauty and elegance have always captivated me. My aspiration to build such instruments led me to intensively study the works of the early masters, analyzing the method used in their construction, their particularities and their tone qualities. I have therefore specialized in the reproduction of these renowned old instruments.
My cellos have been developed based on the originals of the legendary old masters, such as Antonius Stradivari, Matteo Goffriller and Domenico Montagnana. Most of my violins are built strictly according to the patterns of old Italian models. Of utmost importance to me are the easy responsiveness and the excellent playability of my instruments.
Made to measure with utmost precision
To realize the sound components of a great instrument requires not only a profound knowledge of the works of the early masters combined with handicraft skill and experience, but also great sensitivity and intuition. In completing the arching, one tenth of a millimeter can decisively influence the instrument's quality. And because wood is a natural material that can differ greatly in its individual properties, each piece must be individually worked on accordingly to bring out its best qualities. It is impossible to find two pieces of wood that require the same degree and type of workmanship, even if they have been cut from the same tree trunk.
Only the result matters
I search for stimulation in the form of challenge every day. He who rests on his laurels cannot improve and develop his work. There is always something to be learned, every day for a lifetime. It's a state of mind that motivates and drives me. That's why the exchange with musicians who play my instruments is so important to me. Close contact with them allows me to benefit from their daily experience with the instruments and thus to continuously develop as a craftsman.
They show me to what extent I can be satisfied with my work, but also where improvements can be made or whether the instrument can be made even better.
And even if it is only a matter of details or nuances, it is worth investing the time because, in the end, it is only the result that matters.
Here is a list of the most important stages in my career:
| 1961 | Born in Bamberg |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Apprenticeship as a violinmaker in Bubenreuth and Mittenwald (Germany) |
| 1980 | 2nd prize in the national "Competition for Young Craftsmen" (Leistugswettbewerb der Handwerksjugend") |
| 1987 | Master's degree with a diploma of distinction |
| 1989 | Silver medal for a violin at the International Violinmakers' Competition in Mittenwald, Germany |
| 1991 | Member of the "German Violinmakers' Association" (Deutschen Geigenbauer- and Bogenmacher Verbands e.V."). |
| 1994 | Silver medal for a viola at the 7th International Violinmakers' Antonio Stradivari Competition in Cremona, Italy |
| 1997 | Award for a cello at the Triennale Internazionale of string instruments in Cremona, Italy |
| 1997 | 2nd prize in the category "sound" for a cello in the 3rd International Violinmakers' Competition in Mittenwald |
| 1998 | Member of the Master Examination Committee of the Chamber of Handicrafts |
| 2001 | International Violinmakers' Jakobus Steiner Competition: special prize for a Matteo-Goffriller cello |
| 2003 | Premiere of a new cello (a copy of one by Domenico Montagnana) at the International Music Fair in Frankfurt (Germany) |
| 2003 | Best German violinmaker in the category violin at the Triennale Internazionale in Cremona |
| 2006 | Special prize for the second-best violin (Guarneri model) at the 11th International Violinmakers Antonio Stradivari Competition in Cremona, Italy |
| 2007 | Completion of the copy of "The Cannon" true to the original of Guarneri del Gesù |
| 2008 | Elected head of the craft guild of string instruments (Erlangen, Germany) |