Now that we’re so used to the high quality of some of the stringed instruments coming from China, it came as a surprise to find decent hand-made violins made in England for less than one might expect.
The Wessex Violin Co. aims to offer young musicians going to University or Conservatoire the opportunity to own a handmade modern interpretation of the English school of Violin making. The company is building on a tradition of English workshop craftsmanship, lost since the middle of the last century, and reinvigorated by the excellent tradition of the Newark school.
The instruments are nmade to the highest standards using Balkan maple and Bavarian spruce, and they are finished with a traditional chestnut-brown oil-based varnish that is intended to recreate the look of the great English makers Kennedy and Hill.
We have a pair in stock at the moment. They would be eligible for the Take it Away scheme if purchased for a young person under the age of 18.
Featured publications
Gregory: Vamoosh Violin
Book 1 Book & CD
Paul Mealor: Wherever You
Are - SSA With Piano
Accompaniment
Fiddle Time Joggers (Book
& CD) Pupils Book,
Kathy and David Blackwell
Welcome...to Balaam's Music, Bury St Edmunds on-line.
We've been selling printed music and musical instruments for over 50 years. We carry very large stocks of music, instruments and accessories - more than we're able to show on this site, so if you can't find what you're looking for, please telephone us on 0800 06 800 49 (Free Phone). Anything we don't have in stock (and yes, there's plenty of that too!) we'll be very happy to order for you.
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News
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Abbey Fest 2012 Tickets
Available from the shop.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Rebecca Clarke
She was born in 1886, and as far as I can see, must have been one of the first really professional female musicians, working as a violist first in London, where she'd been taught composition by Stanford, and then in the USA. She must have been hot stuff, because she appeared with the likes of Heifetz.
Her most famous composition was the Viola Sonata of 1919 - which was considered too good to have been composed by a "mere woman" - but there are other absolute gems in her admittedly rather small output. Try "Morpheus" or "Lullaby on an Ancient Irish Tune". Each one is a real pleasure.
Try them all - there's a good CD of her compositions on Naxos, played by Philip Dukes and Sonia Rahman, along with Daniel Hope, and our one-time customer Robert Plane (he bought his first wooden clarinet here.)
Ironically in this week of International Womens Day, Rebecca Clarke appears to have been ignored by BBC Radio 3. But her work is so good it doesn't need special pleading.
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
And Now Some Good News ....
The entire UK music industry is celebrating after the Live Music Bill passed its third reading and report stage in the House of Commons. The Bill, introduced by Lib Dem Peer Tim Clement-Jones and promoted in the Commons by Bath MP Don Foster, should now proceed to Royal Assent.
As a result, small venues wanting to host live music events will no longer need a local authority entertainment licence – cutting bureaucracy and expense, and making it easier for pubs and clubs to host live performances.
The current Licensing Act has created an excess of bureaucracy - making it almost prohibitive for pubs and other small venues to host live gigs. Good to see politicians now doing something constructive, even though a lot of pubs amd small venues have already been closed down for good.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
John Myatt Memorial Concert
Accomplished string players are welcome to come and play - rehearse on the day and concert in the evening.
It should be a memorable event in a wonderful setting - Blythburgh Church is worth a visit itself!
Further details from Janet on janet@windchambermusic.org.uk
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Drummers Wanted for Olympics Opening Ceremony
The organiser is looking for people with good percussion and drumming experience, enthusiasm, personality, a positive attitude, a great deal of energy and a willingness to perform in front of a stadium audience and to millions of people around the world.
Applicants must be 18 years or older on March 1st 2012 and able to meet the commitment requirements for rehearsals. Previous performance experience is not required.
To find out how to apply for an audition and for full detail on the commitments involved go to http://www.london2012.com/ceremoniescasting
The closing date for applications is January 9th 2012
Friday, 25 November 2011
Why a ukulele maybe the key to a happy retirement
A recent study has confirmed what we all know, that making music is the key to a happy life, particularly among the retired.
The Daily Telegraph reports that researchers found that pensioners who learned to play instruments such as the Ukulele, or who sang in choirs, enjoyed themselves more than those who took up painting or yoga, or joined book groups. They had a more positive outlook, felt more in control of their lives, and said the activity kept their minds sharp. One woman who took up music after the death of her husband, said “Singing is always uplifting, and it is difficult to be sad while playing the Ukulele”
The Telegraph illustrates this article with a picture of Marilyn Monroe playing a Ukulele. For serious students of having a good time, here she is!
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
A Serious Bargain for a Serious Cellist
We've just received into stock an Eastman Young Master Cello. A handsome instrument in very fine tonewoods, looking just like an eighteenth century masterpiece, with a glorious sound to match. Strung with Larsen strings, it retails at £1990.
No, it's not cheap, but for one (only!) lucky buyer, that price will include an LG Chen Wood-veneered carbon-fibre bow, and a superb K2 Carbon-fibre case in the most incredible iridescent finish, making a combined total retail value of £3176 - so a total saving of £1186 !
And if it's bought for an under-18, it can go on the Take-it-Away scheme !
Is that a stampede I hear in the distance..............?
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Free Money for Young Musicians
We've just had the wonderful news that the TAKE IT AWAY scheme - for the interest-free purchase of musical instruments - is to be re-introduced for the parents and guardians of musicians under 18 years old.This is fantastic news for the parents of young players considering investing in a decent instrument. They will be able to buy more or less any instrument over £100 with a 10% deposit, and nine monthly instalments of the same amount. Saxophones, Flutes, Guitars, Drum Kits, Pianos - they're all eligible.
We have most of the details already, and the new scheme is set to go live tomorrow, October 21st (Trafalgar Day, for those who still care about such things)
The whole application process happens in the shop, using our online application facility, and normally takes only a few minutes.
It's a great victory for musical instrument buyers - come and take advantage !
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