Claude Pierray

History

Claude Pierray (c. 1700-1729) was a highly influential Parisian violin maker who worked in Paris from around 1700 until his death in 1729. A contemporary of Boquay, he is considered one of the best representatives and the most influential maker of the ‘vieux Paris’ school. Like many of his contemporaries, he worked following Italian models. He was established in the rue des Fossés, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and from 1725, his address was identified as ‘proche la Comédie Français’. He made a great many violins and violoncellos and was held in high regard during his lifetime.

Craft

• Materials: He consistently used good quality wood, although it was often described as not particularly handsome or inconspicuous. Sources provide varied descriptions of his varnish, noting it as pale red, red, golden-brown with a red accent, or light red or yellow, and of good quality.
  
  
• Methods: Sources present conflicting views on his craftsmanship; some describe him as an 'excellent workman' or state his 'work is carefully finished' and 'of a high order,' while others consider his work of 'average merit' or 'not always perfectly finished.' He worked on a very Amati-like form, with some sources suggesting Amati would seem to have been his model, retaining the outline but with other features being dissimilar. Other accounts note he sometimes copied the work of Girolamo Amati rather closely. His violins show both large and small patterns, with the majority being large. His instruments featured a medium-high arch, rather stiff soundholes, and variable or inconsistent thickness proportions.

Influence

• Training and Mentorship: He trained a number of capable students, some of whom became good makers, including Jean Ouvrard, Paul Grosset, and Louis Guersan.
  
  
• Schools/Tradition: He is regarded as one of the best representatives and the most influential maker of the 'vieux Paris' school, working after Italian models and on a very Amati-like form.
  
  
• Notable Associations: His work was generally of a better order than that of his contemporary Boquay. His string instruments were appreciated in England at the beginning of the eighteenth century. London musical promoter Thomas Britton owned a Pierray violin which he considered ‘as good as a Cremona’.

Legacy

• Museum Collections: A bass-viol, dated 1712, made by Claude Pierray is held in the Musée de la Musique, Paris (formerly the Paris Conservatoire Collection).
  
  
• Famous Owners: Thomas Britton, a London musical promoter and collector, owned a violin by Claude Pierray.

Further Information

• Technical Characteristics: Sources vary on the tonal characteristics of his musical instruments; some describe the tone as 'excellent but not powerful,' while others find it 'always strong, although not very appealing.' His cellos were much praised.
  
  
• Historical Uncertainties: Contradictory information exists regarding the overall merit of his craftsmanship, the specific colour descriptions of his varnish, and the precise tonal qualities of his instruments.
  
  
• Notable Quotes: Thomas Britton's sale catalogue described a "Claude Pierray" violin as "a very beautiful Violin, and as good as a Cremona."

Summary

Claude Pierray (c. 1700-1729) was an influential Parisian violin maker, considered a leading figure of the 'vieux Paris' school who consistently followed Italian models. He produced a significant number of violins, often on a large pattern, and highly praised violoncellos. While sources vary on the precise nature of his work, he worked on Amati-like forms, sometimes closely copying Girolamo Amati. He used good quality wood, though not always visually appealing, and his instruments featured variable thickness proportions. His craftsmanship and varnish colour are described contradictorily across sources, as are the tonal qualities of his instruments. Pierray trained notable pupils including Jean Ouvrard, Paul Grosset, and Louis Guersan. His work was highly appreciated, notably in England, with Thomas Britton owning a violin considered "as good as a Cremona." A bass viol dated 1712 made by Pierray is housed in the Musée de la Musique, Paris.