Zacharias Fischer

Life

Zacharias Fischer (1730-1812) was born on November 5, 1730, in Würzburg, Germany, and passed away there on November 27, 1812. He is recognized among violin makers whose work, despite being somewhat overestimated at times, still justifies their good reputation to a certain extent. His finest violins date from the years 1770 to 1780, possessing a full and powerful tone, though not as noble as that of the Amati school he emulated. Fischer diligently studied his models and achieved a high degree of cleanliness in his workmanship. However, he eventually deviated from traditional methods. In 1786, he announced the invention of a process that he claimed would make his new violins equal in quality to those of Stradivari and Stainer. This method, however, most likely involved drying, or 'baking,' the wood in an oven. George Hart notes that this practice of baking wood for violin manufacture was adopted by Fischer. Cecie Stainer further explains that this method, though often attempted, has never proven successful because it is impossible to make the drying process gradual enough, resulting in a loss of tonal brilliancy. Consequently, many of his instruments from his later years are now often found to be spoiled.

Characteristics

Models

Fischer utilized Tyrolean Klotz or Amati models for his instruments.

Workmanship

He was known for his fine workmanship, closely approaching the cleanliness of his predecessors' work.

Purfling

Some of his instruments were embellished with an angular purfling pattern.

Varnish

His instruments featured a red-brown crackled varnish.

Wood Treatment

In 1786, Zacharias Fischer introduced a method of drying wood in an oven, believing it would elevate his instruments to the quality of Stradivari and Stainer. This process, however, was found to make it impossible to achieve a gradual drying, leading to a loss of tonal brilliancy and often resulting in the spoilage of instruments made in his later years.

Influence and legacy

• Mentorship: Zacharias Fischer was the son and pupil of P. J. Fischer.
• Study: He incessantly studied his predecessors' models.
• Reputation: Although his work was at times overestimated, his reputation is still justified to a certain degree.
• Reception: His instruments continue to be liked.