Janos Gyorgy (Johann Georg) Thir

History

Janos Gyorgy (Johann Georg) THIR (circa 1710-1779) was born around 1710 in Prim, Schongau, Germany, and died in 1779 in Vienna, Austria. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he took the citizen's oath on September 1, 1738, and resided in the so-called Wübmer Quarter until approximately 1776, after which tax records indicate he was "behaust" (housed) in the city. He was considered one of the best Viennese violin makers. In 1781, Fr. Gaissenhof became his successor, and it appears Gaissenhof continued to use Thir's labels, leading to the existence of instruments bearing Thir's name and the year 1791, as noted by Lütgendorff and John Dilworth. This practice by F. Geissenhof, who completed much of Thir's unfinished work and used his label with dates from 1780-1791, has led to some difficulties in attribution, according to Dilworth.

Craft

• Workmanship: Thir's instruments are characterized by best quality Viennese style work, described by Henri Poidras as "charming and thorough."
• Violin Pattern: His violins typically feature a long, narrow pattern and a high (Stainer-style) arching. John Dilworth notes that this high Stainer arch was somewhat reduced after 1775. The F-holes are set closely together, approximately 45 mm apart, and the ribs are 32-33 mm high. The scroll is described as large and beautiful.
• Violoncello Pattern: For his violoncellos, he preferred a large pattern.
• Materials: John Dilworth states that Thir generally used well-chosen materials.
• Varnish: His varnish is noted for its color and quality. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes it as cherry-wood brown. John Dilworth specifies a dark semi-transparent chocolate varnish in Vienna, which changed after 1750 to a good transparent golden-brown. Henri Poidras mentions a brown-red varnish, while Cecie Stainer describes a dark yellow-brown varnish on a violoncello.
• Notable Instruments: The Schottenstift in Vienna possesses two good violins made by him from the years 1768 and 1773.

Further Information

• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Johann Georg Thir, Lauten: / und Geigenmacher in Wienn / Anno 1758" and "Joannes Giorgius Thir, fecit / Viennae, Anno 1765." Cecie Stainer also cites a label: "Johannes Georgius Thir fecit Viennae, anno 1791."
• Successor and Attribution: F. Geissenhof succeeded Thir and used his labels, sometimes with dates as late as 1791, which has created challenges in accurately attributing instruments, especially given Thir's death in 1779. Sources contain conflicting information about the latest date on a label directly attributable to Thir's own work versus those completed and labeled by his successor.

Summary

Janos Gyorgy (Johann Georg) THIR (circa 1710-1779) was a highly regarded Viennese violin maker known for his elegant instruments. Born in Germany, he established himself in Vienna, becoming a citizen in 1738. His violins featured a long, narrow pattern, a high Stainer-style arching (later reduced), and a distinctive varnish that evolved from dark chocolate to a transparent golden-brown. He also crafted violoncellos on a large pattern. After his death in 1779, his successor, F. Geissenhof, continued to use Thir's labels, leading to some attribution complexities for instruments dated after 1779.