|
The violin was played by Miss
Helen Vogel for all of her professional career, including many years
as the only female member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in
the 1920s and 1930s. It should be noted here that when her
father purchased the violin for Helen, he was told that the
instrument was actually made by Carlo Bergonzi himself. One
can only imagine the disappointment when many years later Miss Vogel
was informed by an appraiser that her violin was a copy.
Bergonzi worked in the shop of
Antonio Stradivari, doing repairs for the great master. During
Bergonzi's career he made over 300 of the most beautiful violins on
earth. If Miss Vogel's instrument had been genuine, today it
would be worth several hundred thousand dollars.
As a sign of the times, she
received the following letter from the orchestra dated Feb. 18,
1931, written by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Manager of
Personnel, Reuben Lawson:
|
"My
Dear Miss Vogel:
It is with very
real regret that we have to inform you that we shall not
require your services as a member of the Cincinnati Symphony
Orchestra after the close of the current season of
1930-1931.
In
giving you this advice, we hasten to say that there has been
not the least dissatisfaction with your playing, and also
that your devotion to your duties, attendance upon concerts
and rehearsals, your behavior and personal conduct have been
above reproach.
As the sole woman
member of the Orchestra, your position has no doubt been a
somewhat difficult one, and the non-renewal of your contract
is only for the purpose of removing a difficult situation
and getting the Orchestra back to the status which it always
should have maintained, i.e., that of a band of men
musicians only. You have our best wishes for a
successful future and you need not hesitate to call upon us
for endorsement of your artistic capacity.
Yours very truly,
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Reuben Lawson, Manager of Personnel
Endorsed by: Stuart M. Thompson, Orchestra
Manager" |
A copy of the above letter, along with a newspaper article about Miss Vogel during that time, come with the original alligator case that protects the instrument. |
