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Anatole Ivanovitch Leman

Biographies

John Dilworth

LEMAN, Anatole Ivanovitch Born 1859 Moscow, died 1913 St Petersburg Russia. Composer and intellectual, active in Strelna and St. Petersburg. Self-taught violin maker, credited with over 200 violins, four violas, and eight cellos on various classical models; also many fine bows branded with his name. Energetic in self-promotion, he made a great success with amateur and aristocratic players in pre-revolutionary Russia to whom he was known as the ‘Messiah of the violin’. Published 25 pamphlets and essays in Russian, French, and German, including studies of acoustics and varnish. Appointed luthier to the Conservatoire in St Petersburg, where he was succeeded by his son Marc Anatolvitch. His work shows good craftsmanship and fine varnishes. Anatole Leman / Messiah of the Violin / St. Petersburg. 1909 (in Russian)