René A. Morel
Encyclopedia
René A. Morel was an experienced and influential luthier
who was highly regarded by leading international string players, who had been described as "arguably the best violin restorer in the world". He served on the juries of many violin-making competitions, and held offices in both the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers (Entente) as well as the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.
Morel died on the morning of November 16, 2011 after an ongoing battle with cancer. He was 79.
Morel completed service in the French Air Force
, and then moved to America where he worked for Kagan & Gaines in Chicago.
In 1964, Morel opened his own shop at Jacques Français, Rare Violins, Inc. in New York. Using French techniques of tool handling and ideas learned with Sacconi, Morel had now been developing new methods of restoration and repair for over 30 years. Morel's advancements further improved the quality and acoustics of viols. Many virtuoso string players sought out Morel specifically for sound adjustment in their instruments.
. In 2008, Morel and Gradoux-Matt split, with Morel remaining at the same location, now within Tarisio Auctions
on 54th Street.
A resident of Rutherford, New Jersey
, Morel died of cancer at the age of 79 on November 16, 2011, in Wayne, New Jersey
, and was survived by his companion, Christa Nagy, as well as by his three children.
. He enjoys being close to the earth, horticulture and gardening occupy his free time. M. Morel also pursues hunting when he is not otherwise engaged...A bon vivant, M. Morel hopes to retire someday to his own vineyard, but in the meantime his favorite wines can be purchased through the Sherry-Lehmann catalogue." When he entertains in the city, he frequents René Pujol, Restaurant Français, La Côte Basque, and Les Sans Culottes.
Luthier
A luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
who was highly regarded by leading international string players, who had been described as "arguably the best violin restorer in the world". He served on the juries of many violin-making competitions, and held offices in both the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers (Entente) as well as the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.
Morel died on the morning of November 16, 2011 after an ongoing battle with cancer. He was 79.
Early life
Morel was born in France. Morel's grandfather, Paul Mangenot, was an instrument maker. As a result, Morel began gaining experience in workshops from the age of 12. He worked for Amédée Dieudonne in Mirecourt, Marius Didier, and Bossard Bonnel in Rennes. Finally, Morel returned to Mirecourt where he repaired violins until the age of 18.Morel completed service in the French Air Force
French Air Force
The French Air Force , literally Army of the Air) is the air force of the French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1933...
, and then moved to America where he worked for Kagan & Gaines in Chicago.
Mid life
In 1955, Morel began work at Rembert Wurlitzer's shop in New York, the leading instrument dealer in the city that is one of the largest centers for string players in the world, helping Morel build his reputation among top musicians. Simone F. Sacconi ran the shop and taught Morel many new concepts about violin restoration.In 1964, Morel opened his own shop at Jacques Français, Rare Violins, Inc. in New York. Using French techniques of tool handling and ideas learned with Sacconi, Morel had now been developing new methods of restoration and repair for over 30 years. Morel's advancements further improved the quality and acoustics of viols. Many virtuoso string players sought out Morel specifically for sound adjustment in their instruments.
Later life
On February 1, 1994, he opened Rene A. Morel Rare Violins in the same location, expanding his expertise to include dealing. In 1999, Morel & Gradoux-Matt, Inc. was started to make room for another experienced luthier, Emmanuel Gradoux-MattEmmanuel Gradoux-Matt
Emmanuel Gradoux-Matt is an internationally known and respected luthier, CEO and founder of Gradoux-Matt Rare Violins, LLC. He serves on the board of the Long Island Conservatory of Music, the Aspen Music Festival, the Marlboro Music Festival, and the Heifetz International Music Institute and...
. In 2008, Morel and Gradoux-Matt split, with Morel remaining at the same location, now within Tarisio Auctions
Tarisio Auctions
- Tarisio Auctions :This is the main page for Tarisio Auctions, the online string instrument auction house. For the Italian violin collector, see Luigi Tarisio....
on 54th Street.
A resident of Rutherford, New Jersey
Rutherford, New Jersey
Rutherford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 18,061. It is an inner-ring suburb of New York City, located west of Midtown Manhattan....
, Morel died of cancer at the age of 79 on November 16, 2011, in Wayne, New Jersey
Wayne, New Jersey
Wayne is a Township in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States, located less than from midtown Manhattan. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township had a total population of 54,069....
, and was survived by his companion, Christa Nagy, as well as by his three children.
Hobbies
"When he is not cutting wood for violins, René keeps fit by landscaping at his home far away from the city in Liberty, New YorkLiberty, New York
Liberty, New York relates to two locations in Sullivan County, New York, United States:*Liberty , New York*Liberty , New York...
. He enjoys being close to the earth, horticulture and gardening occupy his free time. M. Morel also pursues hunting when he is not otherwise engaged...A bon vivant, M. Morel hopes to retire someday to his own vineyard, but in the meantime his favorite wines can be purchased through the Sherry-Lehmann catalogue." When he entertains in the city, he frequents René Pujol, Restaurant Français, La Côte Basque, and Les Sans Culottes.