Luthier's Legacy: Instruments for Generations

Jonathan Cooper, a luthier celebrated for creating violins that fused classical and American fiddle traditions, passed away on Monday in Scarborough, Maine. He was 76.

Cooper was recognized for his profound understanding of materials, crafting approximately 100 violins over more than 40 years in his Portland shop. Each instrument was handmade from carefully chosen woods and finished with natural varnishes, taking about a month to complete.

His violins, priced at $15,000, were highly valued for their exceptional tonal versatility, enabling musicians to seamlessly transition between European classical, Cajun, and Appalachian folk styles.

Renowned musicians, including Mark O'Connor and Alison Krauss, admired Cooper's work. O'Connor noted Cooper's instruments helped him bridge musical worlds, while Krauss credited Cooper with expertly repairing her severely damaged violin.

Cooper also dedicated himself to honoring journalist Daniel Pearl by crafting a quartet of string instruments in his memory. Annually, four students from O'Connor's music camp receive these instruments for a year.

Born in Boston in 1950, Cooper was influenced by his scientific and artistic parents. He played in bands before discovering the violin in his early twenties, which led him to study with luthiers in Cremona, Italy, for three years.