Pochette 1600 - 1700

This pochette, or small violin, was crafted by Matthias Wörle, using wood, ebony and gut. Its diminutive size allowed musicians to carry it in a pocket, hence the name, and it was primarily used by dancing masters to provide accompaniment for their lessons. The materials themselves speak to a specific social context. Wood, the primary material, would have been carefully selected for its acoustic properties, and skillfully carved and assembled to create the instrument's resonant body. Ebony, a dense and dark wood, would have been used for the fingerboard and other parts requiring durability. The strings, made of gut, were stretched and tuned to produce the desired pitches. Crafting a pochette required a high degree of skill and knowledge of both woodworking and instrument-making techniques. The maker would have to understand the precise dimensions and proportions needed to achieve the desired sound, and would have employed specialized tools. The pochette provides insights into the world of music education and social customs. By looking closely at the materials and the making, we recognize the artistry inherent in its creation.