Anneke van Haaften

I recently switched from a 1699 Hendrik Jacobs violin to a... 1698 Hendrik Jacobs violin.

There’s a story behind that. My previous profile mentioned that I was still occasionally on the lookout for a genuine Baroque violin. That search had been on the back burner for some time, partly because I already had a beautiful violin from the Musical Instrument Fund that I also used for the Baroque repertoire. But my profile was right here, for anyone interested to see. And it turned out there was someone interested. Someone with a deep passion for Baroque music, Bach, and the Netherlands Bach Society (where I play) very generously offered to fund a Baroque violin for me through the Musical Instrument Fund. So, after a search, I ended up with this beautiful Jacobs violin.

Its character is very different from that of the 1699 violin. It has spirit and speaks very directly (which is great for articulation). It gives me confidence: “Go for it! I’ve got your back!”

I was able to express my gratitude to this generous donor during an intimate performance at the Musical Instrument Fund’s office on St. Annenstraat. But I’d like to say it again here: thank you so much!!

Photo: Donald Bentvelsen