The Dies Irae Violin
A darker violin model shaped from the Dies Irae chant
A chant translated into violin form
The Dies Irae Violin takes its inner proportions from the medieval Dies Irae chant, traditionally attributed to Thomas of Celano. The title is not decorative: musical relationships from the chant are translated into the instrument’s structure, response, and character.
Dies Irae Violin geometry study showing musical relationships translated into instrument proportions.
Musical structure becomes proportion
The work begins with the musical theme before measurements are fixed. Its relationships are studied first, then translated into the geometry, handling, and tonal character of the violin.
Workshop process for the Dies Irae Violin at Badiarov Violins.
A compact form with a darker voice
The Dies Irae Violin belongs to Badiarov’s harmony-first method, where musical relationships are resolved as proportion before becoming measurements, response, and voice. Its shorter, wider form gives the model a darker and denser character while keeping the instrument practical for professional use.
Made for professional use
The Dies Irae Violin is designed for historical and modern performance contexts. Setup, pitch, response, projection, and physical handling can be adapted to the musician’s repertoire and practical needs.
Two violins heard in the same space: a 17th-century Milanese instrument and the 2023 Dies Irae Violin. Recorded minutes apart, without balance correction or tonal adjustment.
“How can a new instrument be predictable before it is finished?”
A commission is not guesswork. Before measurements are fixed, Badiarov studies the musician’s repertoire, physical needs, intended sound, setup, pitch, and practical performance context.
This is the role of his harmony-first method: musical relationships are translated into proportion, geometry, response, and voice, so the instrument is shaped with clear musical and physical purpose.
The method has informed repeated commissions for professional musicians including Sigiswald Kuijken, Sergey Malov, and Ryo Terakado.
Witnesses
“I thought it was an antique Italian”
Viktoria Mullova
Concert Violinist
“His instruments have purely Italian character”
Renato Scrollavezza
Luthier, founder of Parma School of Violin Making
Dies Irae Violin
Framed fingerboard and tailpiece, gold leaf Quatrefoil bridge
excl. VAT
Some models are available in more restrained workshop versions beginning from €22,314.