Luthier. Probably the world's preeminent restorer of top level stringed instruments, he was frequently entrusted with the care of violins, violas, and cellos created by eighteenth century Italian grand masters Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu. Born and raised in Mattaincourt, he learned the rudiments of his art from his grandfather before being apprenticed to a violin maker at 12. After several years of creating two violins per week he served in the French Air Force then in the early 1950s emigrated to the United States, initially living in Chicago before relocating to New York in 1955. Morel worked at the firm of Rembert Wurlitzer before opening his own shop in 1964; tasked over the years with maintaining the violins of such elite performers as Mischa Elman and Isaac Stern, he also undertook several major renovations, the more significant including decorating a plain Stradivarius, the Marylebone, to match one in the Prado of Madrid which wealthy publishing magnate Herbert Axelrod wanted for his collection and in the early 1990s completely renovating the Countess of Stanlein ex Paganini, a 1707 Stradivarius cello played by Bernard Greenhouse for more than 50 years. In addition to caring for priceless treasures Morel also made built violins and frequently served as a judge at violin making competitions. At his death from cancer the Axelrod Stradivari were in the Smithsonian and the Countess of Stanlein was pending auction by Greenhouse's estate.
Luthier. Probably the world's preeminent restorer of top level stringed instruments, he was frequently entrusted with the care of violins, violas, and cellos created by eighteenth century Italian grand masters Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu. Born and raised in Mattaincourt, he learned the rudiments of his art from his grandfather before being apprenticed to a violin maker at 12. After several years of creating two violins per week he served in the French Air Force then in the early 1950s emigrated to the United States, initially living in Chicago before relocating to New York in 1955. Morel worked at the firm of Rembert Wurlitzer before opening his own shop in 1964; tasked over the years with maintaining the violins of such elite performers as Mischa Elman and Isaac Stern, he also undertook several major renovations, the more significant including decorating a plain Stradivarius, the Marylebone, to match one in the Prado of Madrid which wealthy publishing magnate Herbert Axelrod wanted for his collection and in the early 1990s completely renovating the Countess of Stanlein ex Paganini, a 1707 Stradivarius cello played by Bernard Greenhouse for more than 50 years. In addition to caring for priceless treasures Morel also made built violins and frequently served as a judge at violin making competitions. At his death from cancer the Axelrod Stradivari were in the Smithsonian and the Countess of Stanlein was pending auction by Greenhouse's estate.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
