Classical Music Riots from Richard Wagner to Steve Reich

By Stefan Aune

Awhile back I wrote a blog about the riot that broke out at the premiere of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. The audience became so violent that the police shut down the performance, resulting in plenty of publicity for Stravinksy's tonally and artistically controversial ballet. You may be surprised to learn that The Rite of Spring premiere isn't the only instance of classical music rioting. In fact, there have been several instances throughout history where the emotions of the audience were moved in the direction of yelling, fighting, or disruption. Here are a few of the most famous incidents:

Mirecourt, France. Where the Seeds of French Bow Making Were Sown.

By Andy Fein and Angie Newgren

In the twenty-first century, violin makers (luthiers) and bow makers (archetiers) are usually two separate people with skill sets that are very rarely combined. It would seem that a luthier would be interested in making the bows that go with their instruments, but bow making is entirely its own occupation.

Violin bow attributed to Francois Jude Gaulard, Mirecourt, ca. 1845-1850

Mirecourt, France. Headwaters of French Violin Making

Written by Andy Fein, Violin Maker and Owner, Fein Violins, Ltd.

Many of France's best violin and bow makers from the 1700s to the present day share a very similar biography - Jacques (or Jean-Baptiste, Jeanne, Rene', Renee', Andre', Emile, etc.) were born in Mirecourt where they learned the trade from their father (or uncle, grandfather, brother,mother, sister, etc.). Starting at about age twelve, they worked at the bench with their family making instruments and bows... A shop owner in Paris (Vuillaume, Chanot, Caressa, Francais, etc.) heard of their talent and invited them to come to Paris. In Paris they received great acclaim for their work... Or didn't, so they slunk back to Mirecourt and toiled away in one of the production workshops there.

An H. Derazey violin, Mirecourt circa 1860

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

By Andy Fein and Angie Newgren

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is one of the best cultural assets in Minnesota. Located in our shop's city (Saint Paul, MN), the SPCO is one of a very few professional chamber orchestras in the United States. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra was established in 1959, and for more than 50 years, they have accomplished a tremendous amount in their music, and in their collaboration with soloists, composers, artistic partners and conductors.

The Beheading of Léopold Renaudin - French Violin Maker & Revolutionary

By Stefan Aune

Léopold Renaudin was a french violin maker who was born, like may of the greatest French makers, in the city of Mirecourt in the Lorraine region. He left home for Paris at the age of 16 and apprenticed with an unknown violin maker, eventually working from home and cultivating a profitable business. He was a skilled maker, who made a cello for Boccherini and worked for the Academie Royale de Musique. Renaudin is particularly known for the high quality of his basses.

A violin by Leopold Renaudin