The Lord of the Rings interest - 'The Rohan Fiddle', an inte...

Hammer

£3,800

The Lord of the Rings interest - 'The Rohan Fiddle', an interesting antique Norwegian Hardanger fiddle, labelled Helland Bro's Violin Manufacturers, Cameron, W1S, 1905, decorated all over with geometric foliate designs within chevron and dot painted purfled borders; also with mother of pearl foliate inlaid fingerboard and tailpiece, the head terminating in a carved mythical beast's head with gilded foliate finial, 13 3/4", 34.90cm, case

*The vendor of this instrument, Dermot Crehan, used this instrument, thought to have been made by Helland, for a solo instrumental piece for the main theme tune of Lord of the Rings, the epic film trilogy. The instrument was specifically chosen by Dermot for the films' soundtrack after Howard Shore (composer of the soundtrack) made a special request that he should acquire a Hardanger fiddle. Howard was particularly impressed by the haunting sound that the Hardanger produces and felt that this sound would very much be in empathy with the spirit of the film. The fiddle has since become known as 'The Rohan Fiddle' after the name of the main theme tune of Lord of the Rings. it can be heard particularly clearly 30 seconds into 'Concerning Hobbits', the second track of the first film, The Fellowship of the Ring.

Dermot Crehan was born in Dublin into a family steeped in the traditional music of Ireland. His formative years were spent making the hay, cutting the turf and generally getting in the way of his uncle Junior's farm near Milltown Malbay in County Clare. Dermot, under the wing of a famous Clare fiddler and his father Vincie, went on to become 'All Ireland Champion Fiddle Player', holding the coveted award for three years

A video of Dermot playing the fiddle can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLsMWyMrCtw

More Information

There are repaired sound post cracks in the back and front, and other cracks too all very visible in the online images on our website at www.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk
The instrument was purchased by Dermot Crehan in this restored state, all the recordings for The Lord of The Rings subsequently undertaken and it remains in playable condition.
A recent recording made less than two weeks ago of Dermot playing the Hardanger can be viewed on YouTube.
See images for guidance.