Andreas Riess
1720–1777
Andreas Riess (1720-1777) was a German luthier, musician, and organ builder active in Bamberg. He was the son and pupil of Joseph Riess and was appointed court luthier to Bavaria in 1750. His instruments, made on the Stainer pattern, are known for their high arching, good finish, golden-brown varnish, and pleasant tone.
Maker Overview
Life
Andreas RIESS (1720-1777) was a luthier born in 1720 and died in 1777 in Bamberg, Germany. He was the son and pupil of Joseph Riess. Andreas Riess was a musician and organ builder, and was appointed luthier to the court of Bavaria in 1750. He was also appointed Rector chori at the cathedral. According to court chamber accounts, he received an annual salary of 50 fl. and special rewards, such as 24 fl. in 1751 for a large violone made for the court, and 12 fl. in 1753 for his efforts in selecting and transferring court music. He was among the few German violin makers of the 18th century who achieved a certain reputation during his lifetime, benefiting from his predecessor Joseph Riess's standing.
Characteristics
- Pattern
- Instruments were made on the Stainer pattern.
- Arching
- Characterized by pronounced and high arching.
- Finish
- Work was well finished, often with a good golden-brown varnish.
- Tone Quality
- His instruments are noted for a nice quality of tone or an "ansprechender Ton".
- Instruments
- He made instruments including a large violone.
Influence and legacy
- Training: He was the son and pupil of Joseph Riess.
- Court Appointment: Appointed luthier to the court of Bavaria in 1750.
- Ecclesiastical Role: Appointed Rector chori at the cathedral.
- Reputation: Achieved a certain reputation during his lifetime, benefiting from his predecessor Joseph Riess's standing.
- Remuneration: Received an annual salary of 50 fl. and special rewards for specific services, as documented in court chamber accounts.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
RIESS, Andreas Born 1720, died 1777 Bamberg Germany. Son and pupil of Joseph Riess, below. Musician and organ builder. Appointed luthier to the court of Bavaria 1750. Violins on Stainer model. High arched, well finished work with good golden-brown varnish.
Cecie Stainer+
A maker in Bamberg about 1740-60. He made fairly good instruments on the Stainer pattern, with a nice quality of tone.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Wahrscheinlich ein Sohn und Schüler von Joseph R., mit dem er wohl auch verwechselt wird. Er gehört zu den wenigen deutschen Geigenmachern des 18. Jahrhunderts, die schon bei Lebzeiten einen gewissen Ruf besessen haben, wobei ihm freilich zu Gute kam, dass Joseph R. sein Vorgänger gewesen ist. Andreas R. war schon 1750 Hof-Geigenmacher, und dass er auch ein tüchtiger Musiker war, geht daraus hervor, dass er zum Rector chori am Dom ernannt wurde. Auch als Orgelbauer hat er sich bethätigt. Er bezog ein Gehalt von 50 fl. jährlich, wurde aber für besondere Dienste besonders belohnt. So heisst es in den Hofkammer-Rechnungen: »1751, Febr. 4. Andreas Riess, Hofgeigenmacher (erhält) für einen nach Hof gefertigten grossen Violon 24 fl. Ferner: 1753. März 3. Andreas Riess Hofgeigenmacher und Musico für dessen Bemühung bey aussuch und überirung der Hofmusikallen 12 fl.« (Vgl. E. Frhrr. v. Marschalk, Die Bamberger Hofmusik unter den drei letzten Fürstbischöfen Bambg. 1885.) Seinen Geigen, die hochgewölbt sind, wird ein ansprechender Ton nachgerühmt.
Henri Poidras+
Bamberg circa 1750. Stainer style. Pronounced arching.
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