Orfeo Magazine N° 4 - English Edition - Autumn 2014

Page 16

Hermann Hauser I (1882-1952)

Hermann Hauser I made some 900 instruments, including guitars, zithers and violins. This is a 1933 guitar, with an unusual zero fret.

I’ve never possesed a great Hauser guitar myself, although I do own two very good ones. The German instrument has what I can only describe as the very essence of classicism in guitar sound; the integration of the different registers of the instrument, whether in the extreme high positions or in the low, achieves a balance which is remarkable. The bass is deep but finely focused; it is sustained but has great clarity. The treble strings have a bell-like quality and a sweetness of tone that is never cloying. The third string which, on most instruments, can sound tubby and lucking true centre, on a great Hauser has a profound ring about it, and when played softly is quite magical. And because of this concentrated focus and clarity of sound, and its consequent fine separation of detail in both contrapuntal and chordal music, this type of guitar is ideally suited for use as a concert instrument. Julian Bream “A life on the road”, written by Tony Palmer


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