The 1727 "Cassavetti" Viola by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona

Built in 1727, the “Cassavetti” is one of only twelve Stradivarius violas to have survived to this day. The instrument’s name dates back to its ownership by Alexander Cassavetti, an attorney in London, England, who owned the viola from 1875-1885.

While the instrument transferred between multiple owners over the following decades, in 1936, musical philanthropist Gertrude Clarke Whittall donated the “Cassavetti” viola to the United States Library of Congress, where it sits today. In regards to the instruments, Mrs. Whittall described the “Cassavetti” as “marvelous,” noting that “a viola, when played by a great artist, can wring your heart. It can express secret thoughts that you have felt and never could put into words. It can say unsayable things.”

Also donating the “Castelbarco” cello and the “Betts,” “Ward” and “Castelbarco” violins, Mrs. Whittall hoped for the magnificent instruments to “be played by many different musicians,” and established a Foundation intended to support their maintenance and use in concerts.

For several years thereafter, the “Whittall Strads” were played by a number of guest string quartets, but the musicians each only had the opportunity to play the instruments for one or two concerts and found it difficult to become familiar with their use. To resolve this problem, the Library decided to host resident ensembles to use the collection, although this in turn limited the opportunity to play such magnificent instruments to a select few musicians.

But that was in the 1930s. A lot more is possible today.

Fusing high-resolution 3D graphical imaging technology, precise multi-axis machining capabilities, and decades of experience mastering the luthier craftsmanship, we are now capable of turning Mrs. Whittall’s dreams into reality.

Hellweg & Cloutier was founded with the mission to expand the reach of history’s greatest stringed instruments. We are humbled to present a replica of Stradivari’s “Cassavetti” viola that we believe faithfully captures the tonal brilliance of the original masterpiece. From the precise graduations mapped throughout the sound chamber, to the chisel marks made by Stradivari himself, to the balance of the violin as a whole, we believe that our instruments can match or exceed the sound quality, look, and feel of what could previously be afforded by only corporations or the aristocracy.