August Riechers

History

August RIECHERS (1836-1893) was born in Hanover in 1836 and passed away in Berlin in 1893. The son of a musician in Hanover who also engaged in repairing old violins, Riechers attempted to make a violin himself at the age of 12. Despite this early inclination, he was initially apprenticed to a piano maker against his will, a position he did not maintain for long. He subsequently secured an apprenticeship with Carl Friedrich Ficker, known as “Fickerhansl,” in Markneukirchen. Following this, he worked as an assistant for L. Bausch in Leipzig. In 1862, Riechers established his independent workshop in his hometown of Hanover, located at Bübelingenstr. No. 11. His talent caught the attention of the renowned violinist Joseph Joachim, who promoted his work and, in 1872, encouraged him to relocate his workshop to Berlin. Upon moving to Berlin, he was appointed luthier to the Hochschule (Royal Superior School of Music). August Riechers is recognized as one of the best 19th-century German makers. He authored the book Die Geige und ihr Bau, published in Göttingen in 1892. The artist Gussow painted him in his workshop.

Craft

• Production: Sources contain conflicting information regarding the total number of instruments produced; John Dilworth credits him with around 2,000 violins and 200 cellos, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states over 1,600 new violins, and Cecie Stainer notes about 1,000 violins and over 200 violoncellos.
• Models: He worked almost exclusively after the models of Stradivari and also utilized Guarneri patterns. He followed Bagatella's notes in his work.
• Varnish: Sources contain conflicting information regarding his varnish; John Dilworth states he used spirit varnish exclusively, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions he usually employed spirit varnish with a small addition of turpentine oil.
• Workmanship: Riechers was known for his fine work and materials, demonstrating exceptional conscientiousness and carefulness. He understood wood well, though his view that wood stored for five years after cutting was ready for violin making was not universally shared. His early violins sometimes had wood that was too thick, while later ones were occasionally too thin, but all were generally considered good. However, some instruments from his very last period, which he did not make entirely himself or which were made by less skilled assistants, are considered of lesser quality.
• Restoration: He was a highly regarded restorer with extensive experience in classical work. He repaired many Italian master instruments, including at least 300 “genuine Stradivari” instruments.
• Bow Making: He was also an excellent bow maker.

Influence

• Training: August Riechers was apprenticed to Carl Friedrich Ficker (“Fickerhansl”) in Markneukirchen and subsequently worked as an assistant for L. Bausch in Leipzig.
• Mentorship: He achieved his perfection through restless self-study, though he owed much to both of his teachers. The violinist Joseph Joachim played a significant role in promoting Riechers's career and advised his move to Berlin.
• Educational Impact: His workshop was considered a “Hochschule” (university) for young violin makers, offering an unparalleled opportunity to perfect their skills by working on numerous Italian master instruments.

Legacy

• Recognition: August Riechers is recognized as one of the best 19th-century German makers. He was appointed luthier to the Hochschule in Berlin.
• Literary Contribution: He authored the influential book Die Geige und ihr Bau, published in 1892.
• Artistic Portrayal: The artist Gussow painted him in his workshop, underscoring his prominence.
• Educational Legacy: His workshop served as an important training ground, considered a “Hochschule” for aspiring violin makers.

Further Information

• Branding: His bows were branded “A. RIECHERS.” Early instruments bore the brand “A. Riechers Hannover.”
• Labels: Printed labels included “August Riechers fecit / Berlin No. 346 AR” and “August Riechers fecit / Hannover anno 1874.”
• Workshop Locations: He established his independent workshop in Hanover in 1862 at Bübelingenstr. No. 11, before moving to Berlin in 1872.

Summary

August Riechers (1836-1893) was a highly regarded 19th-century German violin and bow maker, born in Hanover and active in Berlin. He apprenticed with C. F. Ficker and worked with L. Bausch before establishing his own workshop in Hanover in 1862, later moving to Berlin in 1872 at the behest of violinist Joseph Joachim. Appointed luthier to the Hochschule, Berlin, Riechers was known for his fine craftsmanship, primarily using Stradivari and Guarneri models, and was a skilled restorer of classical instruments. He authored Die Geige und ihr Bau and his workshop was considered a significant training ground for young luthiers.