Stainer Quartett

The Musikkollegium Winterthur came in the year 1951 into possession of a unique quartet of string instruments made by Jacobus Stainer (ca. 1617–1683) through a generous gift from Gustave Huguenin, Corseaux-Vevey (Switzerland). The instruments are a cello from the year 1673, a viola from the year 1660 and two violins from the year 1659.

After slumbering for years in the Musikkollegium’s showcases, the instruments were carefully restored to their original condition by master violin maker Aline M. Oberle and can be used to perform music from the epoch when they were built.

As a musician you have the possibility of renting these instruments, singly or as a quartet, for a fixed period of time or for a project. In the remaining time the instruments are accessible for the interested people and can be examined by appointment.

Violin 1 from 1659

Violin 1 from the Stainer quartet was built in the year 1659. It has an original label with the inscription «Jacobus Stainer in Absam / propè Oenipontum 1659» [Jacobus Stainer in Absam near Oenipontum 1659].

Violin 2 from 1659

Violin 2 from the Stainer quartet was built in 1659. It has an original label with the inscription «Jacobus Stainer in Absam / propè Oenipontum 1659». [Jacobus Stainer in Absam near Oenipontum 1659].

Viola from 1660

The viola from the Stainer quartet was built in 1660. The length of the body is 403.5 mm. It has an original label with the inscription «Jacobus Stainer in Absam / propè Oenipontum 1660» [Jacobus Stainer in Absam near Oenipontum 1660].

Cello from 1673

Certain doubts have been expressed as to whether Stainer even built conventional cellos. The cello from the Stainer quartet built in 1673 put an end to all such speculations.