15 1/2" French viola labelled "D. Soriot"

Violas labelled “D. Soriot” were part of a superior range of instruments made in the Laberte workshops in Mirecourt from the late nineteenth century onwards. This is a relatively late example and probably dates from the 1920’s. The red-brown varnish typical of Mirecourt production is here shaded slightly to simulate handling wear, giving a more lively appearance than usual. The tone is resonant and even across all four strings, with a strong bass register, given the relatively small size of this viola. At just over 15 ½”, it will suit a younger player moving into their first serious instrument.