Ergonomic Viola - Image 1

The novel design of David Rivinus’ Pellegrina model incorporates changes to the traditional viola that allow the instrument to have a large sound chamber while encouraging a playing position that is less likely to injure the musician. In addition to the more obvious changes in the shape of the viola body, the instrument also has a canted fingerboard and tapered sides that minimize strain on the joints, tendons, and ligaments. In order to reduce the weight of the instrument, Rivinus substituted carbon fiber for the traditional ebony of the fingerboard, and balsa—an exceptionally light and strong wood—for the internal construction. While the creation of the Pellegrina model stemmed from the practical needs of injured professional musicians, Rivinus’ love of Surrealist art—especially the work of Salvador Dalí—has inspired the overall stylistic conception of the instrument.