Anna Wagner

Restoring with respect

• In her craft, Anna has to understand people and instruments
• She loves to bring old violins back to life
• For her, innovation is about exploring new materials

While Anna Wagner builds about one violin per year, she has found her true calling in restoring old stringed instruments, and specialising in violins. She is originally from Carinthia and grew up a craft and design loving family. Anna often works with very valuable violins which she opens, disassembles and cares for, and then reassembles. Simple repairs range from a broken string to cracks in the violin top. But often it is dissatisfaction with the sound that drives musicians to Anna. She notes that the quality of violins is very closely linked to the climate and explains that humidity is very bad for violins. Anna knows that some violins are more delicate than others, just like the people who make music with the precious instrument. This requires sensitivity in the treatment – both of the Stradivarius and of the human being.

Interview

©Franz Schubert

©Franz Schubert

How did you enrich your education path?

Visiting the four-year instrument making school in Hallstatt was a good start. But you need to learn what life is really like and that only came with my years of travelling. After a year in Cremona, I went to Paris and learnt a lot about French violin making. My next stop was Nottingham, UK. I acquired new skills at every place I worked, especially restoration techniques. And I have a very thick book full of notes.

What was a touching moment in your career?

When an over 80-year-old violinist entrusted me with his childhood instrument as there was no one in his family who could take care of it. I restored the violin and found a new home for it, where it is cherished and treasured. For the owner, it was a really emotional farewell. Parting with their instruments are big moments for musicians.

What part of your work do you enjoy the most?

I love the sound setting because I hear well. When a client tells me, for example, the violin’s sound is too nasal in the third position, I know what to do. But working on the sound is always a collaboration between the artist and myself, a symbiosis which requires a good feeling for people and musicians.

Do you like to explore?

I am very experimental when it comes to string materials. There are always new materials coming onto the market. I am happy to be involved in testing and trying out these innovations. Checking out what characteristics the new string has, listening to how it sounds. The more you engage with novelty, the better you can serve customers.

Anna Wagner is a master artisan: she began her career in 1992 and she started teaching in 2018

Where