Vermont Violins is pleased to offer the fine Cello Bows from the estate of Josef Emonts, former first cellist of the New York Philharmonic.
Cellist Josef Emonts (1895-1964) was born in Liege, Belgium, where he studied at the Royal Conservatory and was awarded a gold medal for virtuosity. His instructors included Alfred Massau, Jean Gerardy, and Jacques Galliard. After World War I, Mr. Emonts performed as a member of the Queen’s Trio and was first cellist of the Theatre de la Monnai. he later moved to Algiers where he performed regularly with Camille Saint-Saens who died in the arms of Mr. Emonts.
Returning to Europe in 1924, Mr. Emonts toured for a year before moving to New York City where he performed as first cellist with the New York Symphony Orchestra (later renamed the New York Philharmonic) for 25 years. Mr. Emonts was a regular performer win the Lewisohn Stadium summer concert series of the 1930’s and performed regularly for 21 years with the Firestone Symphony Orchestra on the popular television show The Voice of Firestone.
Upon his retirement in 1955, Mr. Emonts joined the music faculty of Adelphi University, founding its symphonic orchestra and became a guest soloist with many orchetral events and continued on as a private instructor until his death.
Hermann Richard Pfretzschner workshop of Markneukirchen, Germany circa 1935. Crafted of a round stick, 69.2 CM long, ebony frog silver mounting, inlaid pearl eye. Ebony button with full silver cap. Classic example of Pfretzschner family bow
Francois Nicolas Voirin initially trained as a bow maker in Mirecourt, France. In 1885, he went to work for his cousin, JB Vuillaume in Paris. Pierre Simon and Vuillaume inspired his bow models. He also became the principal creator of the “lens” or picture bows from the Vuillaume workshop. In 870, Voirin opened his own workshop where he worked until his death in 1885. His skill and influence as a bow maker made him one of the most important in the history of French bow makers. This particular bow is an excellent example of his work from Paris, circa 1880. (Salchow & Sons certificate 2020)