Hiroshi Izuka
Hiroshi Iizuka | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 21, 1945 Maebashi, Japan |
| Occupation | Luthier |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Known for | Viola design innovations |
Hiroshi Iizuka is a Japanese master craftsman of violins and violas who heads a workshop in Philadelphia.
Early life
He was born in Maebashi, Japan, in 1945.[1] After graduating from college in 1968, he worked various jobs in Tokyo before pursuing instrument making.[2]
In 1971, he began an apprenticeship with Soroku Murata, founder of the Tokyo Violin Making School.[3] From 1973 to 1977, he trained in Mittenwald, Germany, under Josef Kantuscher and received a journeyman’s diploma from the German Chamber of Handwork in 1974.[1]
In 1976, Iizuka received a gold medal and Certificate of Merit at the Violin Society of America competition in Philadelphia. He received additional certificates at later VSA competitions, including in 1982.[3]
Career
Iizuka established his workshop in Pennsylvania in 1977, and his work gained broader recognition after violist Emanuel Vardi purchased one of his instruments in 1982.[4]
According to Strings Magazine, Iizuka builds approximately 10 to 12 instruments per year, primarily violas.[5] He has made more than 380 instruments since beginning his independent practice.[1]
Musicians known to have played Iizuka instruments include Michael Tree of the Guarneri Quartet and Ori Kam of the Jerusalem Quartet.[3][6]
His instruments have been referenced in discussions about modern versus historical Italian instruments. Violinist Giora Schmidt, who plays an Iizuka violin, participated in a widely reported double-blind study comparing modern and antique violins.[7]
Instrument design
Iizuka's viola designs incorporate structural modifications intended to balance tonal depth and playability.
Viola d’amore-inspired model
Beginning in 1979, Iizuka developed a model incorporating design features inspired by the historical viola d'amore while adapting the instrument for modern viola setup and technique.[3]
Rubenesque model
Introduced in 1992, the Rubenesque model incorporates shortened corners and a modified lower bout to reduce perceived playing length while maintaining body resonance.[1]
Personal life
Iizuka moved to the United States in 1977 with his wife, Daniela Stern.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Slapin, Scott (October 20, 2016). "Thirty-Year Anniversary with My Modern Viola by Hiroshi Iizuka". Violinist.com. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ Blumgart, Jake. "Delco craftsman makes world-class instruments". PhillyVoice. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Chapman, Eric (2007). "Hiroshi Iizuka" (PDF). Journal of the American Viola Society. 23 (1). Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- 1 2 Blumgart, Jake. "Delco craftsman makes world-class instruments". PhillyVoice. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ Cahill, Greg (November–December 2020). "Making His Mark: These 7 Players Have Found Bliss in Hiroshi Iizuka's Violas". Strings Magazine. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Shostakovich review". The Guardian. March 1, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Elite violinists fail to distinguish legendary violins from modern fiddles". Science. Retrieved February 12, 2026.