David Tecchler

History

David Tecchler (b. 1666, d. 1743) began his career in Salzburg before moving to Venice. Owing to ill-treatment from local makers there, he left Venice and finally settled in Rome about 1705. It is said he stopped at Cremona on his way to Rome. Little is known of his life; it is recounted that he was greatly antagonized by the local violin makers in Venice, which led to his relocation to Rome, where he is said to have been for a time enlisted in the Pope's Swiss Guard. Tecchler primarily worked in Rome, though he also spent time in Salzburg and Venice. His labels include "David Tecchler Liutaro fecit Romae, anno 1703," a similar one dated 1706, "David Tecchler fecit Romae, 1733," and "David Techler fecit, an. Dni. 1743, aetatis suae, 77." The name also appears as Techler, Tekler, Deckler, or Dechler.

Craft

• Materials: Tecchler selected excellent wood for his string musical instruments.The bellies of his instruments often feature a mottled character, similar to the wood frequently used by Niccolo Amati.
  
  
• Methods: Tecchler's earliest violins, probably made in Salzburg, unmistakably show the Stainer style, characterized by being high-modelled with sound-holes partaking of the Stainer character. Instruments dated from Rome generally exhibit fine workmanship, closely following the Italian pattern, and are finely formed. His violoncellos are especially good, made on a large pattern and much arched, though their thicknesses were often not precisely calculated. Characteristic features of his work include elongated corners and large F-holes, which vary and are sometimes widely opened. His varnish is of good quality, generally reddish-yellow, sometimes yellow-brown, or a rich yellow tint. His work is beautifully finished, demonstrating highly finished workmanship.

Influence

• Schools/Tradition: Tecchler's early violins made in Salzburg clearly show the Stainer style. After moving to Rome around 1705, he aligned himself more with the Italians, achieving his highest perfection there. He is considered the most significant violin maker in Rome, coming very close to the quality of N. Amati.
  
  
• Notable Associations: His Salzburg instruments were probably made to the order of his patrons. It is also recounted that he was briefly enlisted in the Pope's Swiss Guard in Rome.

Legacy

• Modern Recognition: David Tecchler is a highly esteemed maker, considered the most significant violin maker in Rome. His fine musical instruments are recognized for their quality.

Further Information

• Technical Characteristics: His violins have a very pure and sweet tone. His violoncellos are among the finest of his instruments and are mostly of a large size. His double-basses also show good work and have a sonorous tone. The tone of his instruments is generally very powerful.
  
  
• Historical Uncertainties: Accounts suggest he stopped at Cremona on his way to Rome, and that he was briefly enlisted in the Pope's Swiss Guard. Sources also note the difficulty in reconciling the distinct varieties of his work (German style vs. Italian type) as being from the same man, though this is likely explained by his geographical and stylistic evolution.

Summary

David Tecchler (b. 1666, d. 1743) was a highly esteemed violin maker who transitioned from his early work in Salzburg, influenced by the German Stainer style, to become the most significant maker in Rome. Settling in Rome around 1705, he embraced the Italian pattern, achieving high perfection. His fine musical instruments, including violins, violoncellos, and double-basses, are noted for their powerful, pure, and sonorous tones, beautiful finish, and rich reddish-yellow varnish. While his thicknesses were sometimes imprecise, his use of excellent wood and adoption of the Italian style in Rome resulted in instruments that approach the quality of N. Amati.