High-end instruments: a new approach to restoration using new technologies
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
On 2 April, an evening event organised by Talents & Violon’celles was held at the Bibliothèque musicale La Grange-Fleuret, bringing together a group of patrons for a unique, accessible and lively talk on new approaches to instrument restoration.
Dedicated to fine musical instruments, this event highlighted the specific challenges associated with their conservation and preservation. Presented by Martin Hirsch and led by the instrument makers Roland Houël and Joël Klépal, from the Houël & Klépal fine restoration workshop, it struck a balance between scientific rigour, the sharing of expertise and musical performances.
Fine Instrument Making: From Centuries-Old Craftsmanship to High Technology
Speaking to an audience of particularly curious patrons, Roland Houël and Joël Klépal offered a behind-the-scenes look at their work. They emphasised that their primary mission is to preserve the genius of the great master luthiers, whilst ensuring that these historic instruments continue to thrive in the hands of musicians.
At the heart of the event, the speakers outlined what might be called ‘instrument making 2.0’, where technological advances enrich, rather than replace, traditional craftsmanship. Far from detracting from the luthier’s craft, these tools offer a more detailed understanding of historical instruments, enabling better diagnosis and opening up new possibilities for intervention and restoration. Among these approaches are the use of monochromatic light, X-ray micro-tomography, documentation and diagnostic tools, structured light 3D scanning, and computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines, all of which provide concrete examples of how practices are evolving.
The presentation was punctuated by questions and comments from the very attentive audience, reflecting the interest aroused by these new cutting-edge methods and the challenges they raise: how to intervene without betraying the instrument’s history and identity, and how to preserve it whilst breathing new life into it. These were all questions that lay at the heart of this meeting.
Music between talks
The concert featured musical performances by a selection of exceptional artists, carefully chosen by artistic director Raphaël Pidoux. They performed some of the finest examples of our instrumental heritage, which the invaluable support of our patrons helps to preserve and pass on.
The tracks the artists performed:
Nicolas Bourdoncle (piano), Arthur Decaris (violin) and Thomas Briant (violin) : Dmitri Shostakovich — 5 Pieces for Two Violins and Piano
Suzanne Wolff (bass violin) : Selma — Fantaisie
Nicolas Bourdoncle (piano) and Bruno Philippe (cello) : Sergei Rachmaninoff — Slow Movement from the Sonata for Cello and Piano
Léa Hennino (viola) : Henri Vieuxtemps — Capriccio for solo viola
Nicolas Bourdoncle (piano) and Thomas Briant (violin) : Maurice Ravel — Sonata for Violin and Piano (Blues)
Nicolas Bourdoncle (piano), Arthur Decaris (violin), Thomas Briant (violin), Léa Hennino (viola) and Bruno Philippe (cello) : Robert Schumann — Quintet for piano and strings (2nd movement)
A number of artists have had the privilege of playing remarkable instruments from our collection. Thomas Briant played a Gagliano violin from Naples (1735), and Arthur Decaris a Séraphin violin (1735), both made available thanks to the patronage of Roger Zilber. As for Suzanne Wolff, she played a bass violin made by Roland Houël, which has recently been added to our early music department and is available for loan.
The Stradivarius in all its facets
The discussions continued over drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, giving guests the opportunity to explore the topic of new restoration techniques for high-end instruments in greater depth.
Guests were also able to take a closer look at the Stradivarius violin on display in a showcase – an exceptional instrument currently being restored by Roland Houël and Joël Klépal – as well as the Maggini viola dating from 1600, played by Léa Hennino. As this instrument had undergone a detailed analysis before being put up for sale, it attracted considerable interest.
Investing in music, supporting the talents of tomorrow
Our patrons are committed to keeping music alive by supporting the manufacture of instruments by exceptional luthiers. Each instrument becomes a springboard for promising young talents, offering them the means to develop their careers and keep musical heritage alive.
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