Do zagadnienia „niemych skrzypiec”
Concerning the ‘mute violin’

Summary/Abstract: The history of music instruments is co-created not only by their ‘classic’ varieties used in everyday music practice, but also by experimental instruments built as a result of exploring new types of construction and sound. A separate group is made up of special training instruments that develop the hand technique. Thanks to their quiet sound, they could be played without disturbing the neighbours. This paper is dedicated to the so-called ‘mute violin’, a model member of this category. Contrary to the name, it produces audible though quiet sounds, which makes it possible to practise not just fingering technique, but also correct intonation. I discuss the numerous types of construction applied in different violin making centres. The ‘mute violin’ attracted relatively little interest in musicians, and the popularisation of violin mutes limited the use of this special instrument.

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