The first instrument ever added to the Musical Instrument Bank of the Canada Council for the Arts, it is a masterpiece of the Rome-based luthier’s work
The Canada Council for the Arts is the country’s public arts funder. Through its programme of grants, services, prizes and payments, it supports and promotes the nation’s arts scene both across Canada and internationally. The Strad Calendar 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of its Musical Instrument Bank by showcasing twelve of the finest instruments in its collection.
1706 ‘Brott-Turner’ David Tecchler cello
The Musical Instrument Bank was originally conceived in 1975, when the first proposal by the Canada Council’s Arts Advisory Panel was made. The idea only took shape, however, after Montreal cellist Denis Brott wrote to around 50 chief executives of Canadian companies asking for help in setting up an instrument collection for the nation. He got one reply, from CEO William Turner, who helped in securing funds from other business leaders. For his efforts, Brott ended up with the loan of a 1706 David Tecchler cello, now known as the ‘Brott-Turner’. Unlike the Musical Instrument Bank’s other instruments, the cello is on lifetime loan rather than made available every three years to another competition winner.
The cello is in an excellent state of preservation. It was originally built on a large form, but has subsequently been reduced in size. The back is made from four pieces of quarter-cut maple, as are the ribs and scroll, while there is Haselfichte in evidence on the spruce of the top. There is plentiful golden-orange varnish still covering the instrument.
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Read more lutherie articles here
Read: ‘The sound is very round and expansive’: Zlatomir Fung’s instrument and bow
Read: In Focus: A 1701 David Tecchler cello
Read: Guy Johnston: Tecchler’s Cello – From Cambridge To Rome
Photo: Jean Fitzgerald
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The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
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