Klotz (originally Kloz)

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Klotz (originally Kloz)

Klotz (originally Kloz), family of outstanding German violin makers. Their instruments were brought into repute by Mathias Klotz (b. Mittenwald, June 11, 1653; d. there, Aug. 16, 1743), who served an apprenticeship with Giovanni Railich, a Paduan maker of lutes and other instruments. His violins date from late in his career, and are very rare. His son, Sebastian Klotz (b. Mittenwald, Jan. 18, 1696; d. there, Jan. 20, 1775), produced remarkable violins after Italian models. There followed, in the 18th century, several other violin makers named Klotz, but their relationship to the family cannot be established.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire