SEPTEMBER 8-12
François DENIS
The Violin and the Art of Measurement

This seminar will illustrate the principles underlying the conception and design of the violin-family instruments which brought Mr. Denis to write the world famous text “Traitè de Lutherie”.
These principles will be verified in their practical application with the drawing of violin forms.
A native of Angers, François Denis studied science at university while also attending music school, but has taught himself art history and luthery. An instrument maker since 1983, he made a wide variety of instruments before specializing in the violin family.
His multidisciplinary background led him to question certain fundamental but still obscure aspects of his profession.
The publication of his Traitè de Lutherie in 2006 sheds light on the history of the geometrical processes behind the violin form.
The book situates the dimensions of musical instruments in the broader context of an “art of measurement” which begins to disappear with the approach of the modern era.
François Denis is also a lecturer and regularly teaches in various schools of instrument making. He was awarded the Musicora prize in 2000 for his research.