Felix Savart

History

Felix SAVART (1791-1841) was a significant figure in the scientific study of violin acoustics. Sources contain conflicting information about his primary profession: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff identifies him as an "ausgezeichneter Physiker" (excellent physicist), while John Dilworth describes him as an "Eminent physician and researcher into electricity and magnetism." He devoted considerable time to investigating the laws of acoustics and undertaking valuable research into the violin, for which Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume provided him with precious Italian violins. His studies culminated in the publication of his influential work, Mémoire sur la construction des instrumens à cordes et à archet (1819), which John Dilworth notes as the first significant published work on the theoretical and scientific exploration of the violin.

Craft

• Innovation: In 1819, Felix SAVART presented a violin of trapezoidal form to the Académie des Sciences in Paris. This instrument featured no arch, a conventional soundpost, a central bassbar, and an integral tailpiece.
• Experimental Designs: He also initiated the construction of violins with cylindrical and quadrangular shapes.
• Acoustic Properties: Although his experimental instruments were judged to have a clear and even tone, the sound was reported as "subdued" by John Dilworth.

Further Information

• Key Publication: His seminal work is Mémoire sur la construction des instrumens à cordes et à archet (Paris, 1819).
• Museum Collections: Examples of his experimental instruments can be found in the collection of Snoeck in Berlin and the Museum of the Paris Conservatorium.

Summary

Felix SAVART (1791-1841) was a scientist, identified as either a physicist or physician, who made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of violin acoustics. He is renowned for his publication Mémoire sur la construction des instrumens à cordes et à archet (1819) and for his experimental violin designs, including the trapezoidal violin, which he presented to the Académie des Sciences in 1819.