Winner of the
German Musical Instrument Award 2004
German Musical Instrument Award DMIP
This award of the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Labour is given to members of the music industry, in recognition of their products’ outstanding qualities. It is presented annually at the International Music Fair in Frankfurt am Main. In 2004, the award was presented to me in the presence of the then German President, Johannes Rau, and the representatives of the Federal Ministry of Economy and Labour.
Assessment of the Judges:
The "Stradivari" cello, made by Thomas Stöhr, is gracefully proportioned, which allows even relatively small persons to handle the instrument with ease. During production, the characteristics of the wood have received particular consideration. Much value was placed on detailed workmanship. The jury assessed the cello as being excellent in its playing characteristics and in such details as pegs, tailpiece and endpin. For cost efficiency, the instrument unanimously received the highest marks. It convinced with its tonal quality, especially with its deep pitch, dynamic and response. The composition of the two upper strings is particularly strong and creates a full sound pattern.
The assessment of the instruments in the competition was the result of a tripartite process:
First, the acoustical character of each instrument was measured at the Insitute of Instrument Making (Ifm) in Zwota. The instruments were artificially stimulated to vibrate, and all relevant parameters were measured.
Next, all instruments were played and judged individually by five renowned cello soloists. To eliminate bias, the players knew neither the make of the instruments, nor were they able to discern the maker from the instruments’ outward appearance.
To ensure optimum comparability, Ifm standard test programmes were utilized.
Afterwards, the technical craftsmanship was judged by an expert.
In conclusion, a jury of independent and proficient people compiled the final judgment, based on all assessments and giving appropriate weight to all three separate appraisals – objective, subjective and technical.
