Michael Ignaz Stadlmann

History

Michael Ignaz Stadlmann (c.1756-1813) was born around 1756 and died in 1813 in Vienna, Austria, according to John Dilworth. He was the son and pupil of Johann Joseph Stadlmann. Michael Ignaz Stadlmann succeeded his father as luthier to the Viennese court. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he took the citizen's oath on May 9, 1772, and maintained his workshop in the "grossen Preuerhaus in der Dorotheergasse" in Vienna, appearing in tax lists until 1787. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his musical role: John Dilworth states he was a double bassist in the orchestra at the Royal Chapel from 1799 to 1813, while Lütgendorff identifies him as a violinist and member of the imperial court chapel during the same period.

Craft

• Workmanship: His early work followed the traditional Stainer model, utilizing a dark varnish, but he later adopted Stradivari patterns, according to John Dilworth. Dilworth describes his refined work as generally superior to that of his forebears, characterized by accuracy, a well-finished appearance, and good clear varnish. Henri Poidras notes his "well effected make" with a yellow varnish, while Cecie Stainer mentions he did "fairly good work" and used a "yellow brown varnish".
• Instrument Types: John Dilworth notes that he produced good cellos with a back length of 76cm/ 2915/16", as well as double basses, viola d'amores, and guitars.
• Distinctive Features: A Baryton with a carved head, illustrated by Hamma, is attributed to him. Some of his violins featured lion's heads instead of traditional scrolls, a detail also mentioned by Cecie Stainer.
• Label: An example of his label reads: "Michael Ignatius / Stadlmann / Kayserl: Konigl: / HofLauten und Geigen / macher in Wien 1782".

Influence

• Mentorship: Michael Ignaz Stadlmann was the son and pupil of Johann Joseph Stadlmann.
• Family Tradition: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that, like his father and grandfather, he was also a court luthier and closely matched their quality of work.

Legacy

• Collections: Instruments made by Michael Ignaz Stadlmann are preserved in the Ferdinandeum in Innsbruck.
• Exhibitions: His instruments were also displayed at the Music Exhibition in Vienna.
• Bequest: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that he bequeathed his tools and shop fittings to his assistant, Math. Daum.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His workshop was located in the "grossen Preuerhaus in der Dorotheergasse" in Vienna.
• Cello Dimensions: He produced cellos with a back length of 76cm/ 2915/16".

Summary

Michael Ignaz Stadlmann (c.1756-1813) was a prominent Viennese luthier, son and pupil of Johann Joseph Stadlmann, who succeeded his father as luthier to the Viennese court. He was active in Vienna, taking his citizen's oath in 1772 and maintaining a workshop in the Dorotheergasse. Known for his refined craftsmanship, he initially followed the Stainer model before adopting Stradivari patterns, producing instruments generally considered superior to those of his predecessors. His output included violins, cellos, double basses, viola d'amores, and guitars, often featuring distinctive elements like lion's heads on violins or carved heads on barytons. His instruments are held in collections such as the Ferdinandeum in Innsbruck.