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Guarneri

The Guarneri family, also known as the Guarnerius, was a prominent dynasty of Italian luthiers based in Cremona during the 17th and 18th centuries, renowned for crafting exceptional string instruments, particularly violins, that achieved a powerful, resonant tone rivaling those of contemporaries like Antonio Stradivari.^[1]^[2] The lineage began with Andrea Guarneri (1626–1698), who apprenticed under the master Nicolò Amati in the late 1630s and established the family's workshop in Cremona around 1655, producing approximately 250 violins, along with violas and cellos in a style closely following Amati's elegant proportions but with subtle innovations like closer-placed sound holes.^[2]^[3] Andrea's sons, Pietro Giovanni Guarneri (1655–1720), who relocated to Mantua in 1679 and blended Cremonese techniques with local influences to create fewer but highly esteemed instruments, and Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Guarneri (1666–c. 1739/1740), who inherited the Cremona workshop and introduced a narrower waist design while maintaining the family's tonal warmth, continued the tradition amid economic challenges.^[2]^[4]^[3] The family's pinnacle came with Bartolomeo Giuseppe "del Gesù" Guarneri (1698–1744), grandson of Andrea and son of Giuseppe, whose approximately 150 surviving violins from his mature period (c. 1730–1744) featured bold experiments such as flatter arching, broader plates, and rougher finishes prioritizing acoustic power over aesthetic perfection, drawing partial inspiration from earlier Brescian makers like Gasparo da Salò.^[5]^[2]^[6] Notable examples include the 1743 "Il Cannone," owned by Niccolò Paganini and celebrated for its brilliant projection, as well as the c. 1730 "Goldberg-Baron Vitta" and "Kreisler" violins, which share identical wood and have been played by virtuosos like Szymon Goldberg and Fritz Kreisler.^[5]^[6] A later branch, through Giuseppe's son Pietro Guarneri of Venice (1695–1762), who moved to Venice around 1725, fused Cremonese precision with Venetian varnish and ornamentation, producing instruments with wide-grained bellies and rounded f-holes until the dynasty's end without heirs.^[2]^[4]^[3] The Guarneri instruments' legacy lies in their enduring appeal to performers, from Paganini and Heifetz to modern artists like Isaac Stern, due to their versatile, intense sonority that excels in concert settings, solidifying the family's status as a cornerstone of Cremonese violin-making alongside the Amati and Stradivari workshops.^[1]^[5]^[2]

History

Origins in Cremona

The Guarneri family, renowned for their contributions to violin making, originated in the Cremona region of Lombardy, Italy, during the early 17th century, emerging as part of the city's burgeoning artisan tradition in stringed instruments.^[7] Cremona, a prosperous northern Italian center under Spanish Habsburg rule, fostered luthiery as a specialized craft influenced by the demand for high-quality instruments among the Catholic Church's musical ensembles and the local nobility, who patronized performers and collectors.^[8] This socio-economic environment, marked by guild-regulated workshops and economic pressures from foreign taxes, supported the transition from earlier makers like the Amatis to new generations of craftsmen.^[9] Andrea Guarneri, the family's progenitor and a pivotal figure in this lineage, was born around 1626 near Cremona and began his career in the renowned workshop of Nicolò Amati, the leading luthier of the era.^[2] Documented as an apprentice by 1641, Andrea trained under Amati starting in the late 1630s or early 1640s, residing in the master's household until 1646 and briefly returning in 1650–1653, where he absorbed techniques that would define Cremonese violin design.^[10] His apprenticeship occurred amid Amati's peak productivity, producing instruments for elite clientele, including royal courts and ecclesiastical institutions, which elevated the status of luthiery beyond mere trade to an art form tied to cultural and religious patronage.^[2] By the mid-1650s, following his marriage in 1653, Andrea established the initial Guarneri family workshop in Cremona's Piazza San Domenico, under the sign of St. Theresa, marking the first major independent violin-making operation outside the Amati atelier.^[10] This location in the heart of the city placed the workshop amid other artisans, facilitating collaboration and competition within the guild-like structure of Cremonese crafts, while serving the growing market for violins in church orchestras and noble chambers.^[11] The establishment laid the groundwork for the family's enduring legacy, though it operated in a context of economic fluctuations that tested the viability of such specialized endeavors.^[7]

Evolution of the Workshop

The Guarneri workshop in Cremona experienced notable expansion during the 1680s with Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Guarneri (known as Giuseppe filius Andreae) playing a prominent role from around 1685, building on his father Andrea's foundation, and assuming full leadership after Andrea's death in 1698.^[12]^[13] This period saw increased production focused primarily on violins, influenced by interactions with his brother Pietro of Mantua and the contemporaneous work of Antonio Stradivari, allowing the workshop to diversify beyond earlier Amati-inspired models toward more individualized designs. Possibly influenced by the workshop or other Cremonese makers, Carlo Bergonzi, born in 1683, contributed to the local luthiery scene during this era, helping integrate new techniques that blended Cremonese traditions with emerging stylistic variations, such as refined edgework and arching profiles.^[12] By the early 18th century, the workshop encountered significant economic pressures stemming from intense competition with the dominant Stradivari and Amati ateliers, which elevated instrument values and reduced demand for Guarneri products amid Cremona's saturated market. This rivalry led to irregular production between approximately 1700 and 1720, characterized by inconsistent output and lower volumes as the family navigated financial instability and fluctuating patronage, though individual members like Giuseppe filius Andreae and his sons continued to produce instruments that occasionally incorporated bolder, more robust forms. A key turning point came around 1717 when Pietro Guarneri, Giuseppe's elder son, relocated to Venice, establishing an independent branch there with his first labels dating from 1721—following his marriage in 1728—which dispersed family resources, diminished Cremona's central operations, and inadvertently heightened demand for Guarneri-style instruments in northern Italy by adapting Cremonese methods to Venetian preferences.^[12] The workshop's decline intensified after the death of Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri (del Gesù) in October 1744, as his passing left no direct heirs to sustain the family line in Cremona, exacerbating existing financial woes including accumulated debts from prior loans and property sales. Without successors, production halted abruptly, with some instruments remaining unfinished, and the workshop closed permanently by 1745, marking the end of the Guarneri dynasty's central operations amid broader challenges in Cremonese lutherie. This closure reflected not only personal losses but also the workshop's stylistic evolution toward more varied, less uniform designs in its final years, influenced by del Gesù's innovative yet inconsistent approaches.^[12]^[14]

Family Members

Andrea Guarneri

Andrea Guarneri (c. 1626–1698) was an Italian luthier and the founder of the Guarneri family workshop in Cremona, establishing a dynasty that became one of the most influential in violin making. Born near Cremona, he spent his career in the city, where he contributed to the golden age of Cremonese instrument craftsmanship. In 1652, he married Anna Maria Orcelli, whose dowry included a house near the workshop of his mentor, Nicolò Amati, which later became known as the Casa Guarneri. The couple had seven children, including two sons, Pietro Giovanni Guarneri and Giuseppe Guarneri, who both trained as luthiers and continued the family tradition.^[15]^[2]^[16] Guarneri apprenticed under Nicolò Amati from 1641 to 1654, with a four-year interruption beginning in 1646, during which he lived in Amati's household and absorbed the master's techniques. He began producing instruments independently in the 1650s, creating violins, violas, and cellos until the 1690s, with an estimated output of approximately 250 violins, four violas, and 14 cellos. His early instruments bore labels branded with "AG," marking the inception of the Guarneri branding, and he used Latin inscriptions such as "Andreas Guarnerius fecit Cremone sub titulo Sanctæ Teresiæ" to identify his personal work.^[17]^[16]^[15]^[3] Guarneri's style evolved from strict adherence to Amati's elegant, refined forms in his early violins—characterized by rounded bouts and slender corners—to broader, more robust body shapes in his later instruments, reflecting a freer and less exacting execution while maintaining high craftsmanship. This progression laid the foundational techniques that influenced his sons' subsequent developments in the workshop. Among his notable surviving instruments is the Josefowitz viola of 1690, renowned for its warm, resonant tone and exceptional playability, which fetched a record auction price in 2019. His small contralto violas, of which only about eight survive, are particularly prized for their innovative design and tonal richness, representing some of the earliest great examples of the type from Cremona. The ex-Primrose viola of 1697 is another prized example.^[17]^[16]^[2]^[18]

Giuseppe Guarneri (filius Andreae)

Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Guarneri, known as Giuseppe filius Andreae to distinguish him from his more famous son, was born on November 25, 1666, in Cremona to Andrea Guarneri and his wife Anna Maria. He received his training in his father's workshop, assisting for nearly two decades and absorbing the elegant, Amati-influenced style that characterized early Guarneri work. Following Andrea's death in 1698, Giuseppe inherited the family business and operated the workshop on Piazza San Domenico, producing his first independent instruments as early as 1689. His tenure marked a transitional phase in the Guarneri dynasty, maintaining continuity while introducing subtle innovations.^[13] Over his career, Giuseppe crafted more than 250 instruments, predominantly violins, along with a smaller number of violas and cellos, such as the three cellos completed in 1692. His designs blended the refined, graceful proportions derived from Nicolò Amati's models—characterized by high arching and precise outlines—with an emerging boldness, evident in later pieces featuring wider upper bouts, squarish middle bouts, and tilted f-holes for added originality around 1705. Instruments from this period bear his distinctive label, "Giuseppe filius Andreae," often inscribed in Cremona, underscoring his role as Andrea's direct successor.^[1]^[13] The workshop relied on assistance from relatives, including his elder son Pietro around 1715 and younger son Bartolomeo Giuseppe (del Gesù) from approximately 1731 to 1739, who contributed to tasks like carving scroll heads. Economic pressures plagued the operation, leading to desperate measures such as securing loans from dealers, including 1,000 lire in 1715 and 600 lire in 1737 to cover debts and sustain production. These struggles reflected broader challenges in Cremonese lutherie during the early 18th century, yet Giuseppe's management preserved the family's legacy amid competition from contemporaries like Stradivari.^[13] A representative example of his mature style is the 1710 "Falk" violin, which exemplifies the balanced tone and responsive projection typical of his instruments from this era, with its refined varnish and structural poise bridging Amati elegance and Guarneri vitality.^[13]

Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri (del Gesù)

Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri, commonly known as "del Gesù," was an Italian luthier born on August 21, 1698, in Cremona to Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae and Barbara Franchi.^[19] He trained in the family workshop alongside his father and uncle, developing his craft during a period of intense competition with contemporaries like Antonio Stradivari.^[20] His early instruments adhered closely to Cremonese traditions influenced by the Amati school, but by the 1730s, following his father's retirement due to illness, Guarneri established a more independent workshop, marking a shift toward bolder experimentation.^[21] This transition occurred amid economic hardships for the family, contributing to workshop instability that limited his productivity.^[6] The nickname "del Gesù" arose in the late 18th or early 19th century to distinguish him from his father, deriving from the "IHS" Christogram (Iesus Hominum Salvator) he inscribed on his labels, a devotional element absent in earlier Guarneri work.^[21] Over his career, spanning roughly 1722 to 1743, he produced approximately 150 instruments, primarily violins, with only one known cello made in collaboration with his father and no violas.^[20] His output was constrained by personal and familial challenges, including his father's health decline and the need to rely on the shared family premises for operations into the 1730s.^[21] Contrary to earlier myths of imprisonment for debt or other crimes in the 1730s, archival records confirm no such events, attributing his irregular production instead to these workshop disruptions.^[19] Guarneri's mature style diverged markedly from the refined symmetry of Amati and Stradivari norms, embracing asymmetry and individuality that prioritized acoustic power over precision.^[22] His instruments often featured elongated f-holes influenced by Brescian makers, long C-bouts, and powerful, graduated arching with lower profiles and thicker plates, resulting in a dense, resonant tone.^[20] Varnishes were typically thick, dark, and luminous, ranging from orange-red to yellow, applied in a way that enhanced projection and warmth.^[22] Post-1740 works became even more free-form, with varied head carvings—from slender to massive—and less balanced outlines, reflecting his non-conformist approach amid personal strains.^[20] Among his masterpieces is the 1743 violin known as Il Cannone, celebrated for its cannon-like sonic projection and full, bright tone.^[23] Measuring 35.4 cm in back length with a slightly shorter, thicker soundbox and markedly curved neck, it exemplifies his late-style innovations in arching and form.^[23] Acquired by virtuoso Nicolò Paganini around 1827, the instrument remained his favored concert violin until his death in 1840, after which he bequeathed it to Genoa, where it has been preserved by the city since 1851.^[23]

Pietro Guarneri of Venice

Pietro Guarneri (1695–1762), also known as Pietro of Venice, was an esteemed Italian luthier who established the Venetian branch of the renowned Guarneri family of violin makers. Born in Cremona on April 14, 1695, as the eldest son of Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae, he apprenticed in the family workshop for about a decade before relocating to Venice around 1717, seeking opportunities amid the dominance of Antonio Stradivari in Cremona.^[24]^[25] Upon arrival, he joined the workshop of Matteo Sellas, collaborating with fellow luthier Carlo Tononi, and soon integrated into Venice's vibrant guild system, adapting his Cremonese heritage to the local traditions.^[24] In 1728, he married Angiola Maria Ferrari, with whom he had eleven children, several of whom assisted in his later endeavors.^[25] Guarneri's output in Venice totaled around 150 instruments, blending the robust structural integrity of the Guarneri tradition with the ornate elegance characteristic of Venetian craftsmanship, including flamboyant f-holes and a deep red varnish.^[25] His labels consistently proclaimed his origins, reading "Pietro Guarneri Cremonensis fecit Venetiis" even into the 1750s, underscoring his loyalty to Cremonese roots while embracing regional influences.^[26] He specialized particularly in cellos and violas, producing fewer than a dozen cellos that are now highly prized for their tonal depth and power, often compared to those of contemporaries like Matteo Gofriller and Domenico Montagnana.^[24] A prime example is the 1735 Harrison cello, celebrated for its rich, resonant depth and exceptional projection, which exemplifies his mastery in lower-register instruments.^[27] In his later years, after establishing his own independent shop around 1733, Guarneri's production peaked between 1733 and 1748 before tapering due to advancing age, during which time he focused on teaching apprentices, including family members, and refining his techniques.^[25] He continued working until his death on April 7, 1762, leaving a legacy of instruments that fused Cremonese precision with Venetian flair, influencing subsequent generations of luthiers in the region.^[24]

Instruments

Design and Construction Features

The Guarneri family employed spruce (Picea abies) for the tops of their instruments, typically sourced from the Alpine regions such as Val di Fiemme in northern Italy, selecting wood with fine, straight grain to optimize acoustic resonance.^[28] Backs and sides were crafted from maple (Acer pseudoplatanus or Acer platanoides), often quarter-sawn for stability, with flamed figuring preferred for aesthetic appeal.^[29] Unlike some makers who maintained large stocks of aged timber, the Guarneris frequently used relatively fresh wood, with dendrochronological evidence indicating spruce tops as young as two to four years old at the time of construction, supplemented by natural aging and possible mineral treatments such as aluminum salts to enhance durability and reduce moisture content.^[29]^[30]^[31] Varnish application in Guarneri instruments involved an amber-based oil-resin formula, often multi-layered with a ground coat and a pigmented top layer, providing a soft, lustrous finish that evolved toward thicker applications in the era of Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù for added protection and depth.^[32] The composition typically included pine resins and amber, yielding characteristic red-orange hues achieved through crimson lake or inorganic red pigments, with variations from pale golden amber to deeper orange-red tones across family members like Giuseppe filius Andreae and Pietro of Venice.^[32]^[33] These varnishes not only protected the wood but also contributed to subtle color gradations that highlighted the instrument's contours.^[29] Arching profiles in Guarneri violins showed a gradual evolution from the higher, more rounded Amati-influenced designs of Andrea Guarneri to lower, scooped forms in later generations, particularly del Gesù, with fuller rises near the edges and flatter central areas to improve projection.^[32]^[33] Purfling was inlaid using strips of light and dark maple or European beech, positioned close to the edges with miters often pointing across the corners, reflecting a shift toward deeper channeling for structural reinforcement.^[32]^[33] Distinctive tool marks, such as rasp impressions on edges and rough planing on overhangs, along with asymmetries in outlines, f-hole placements, and rib alignments, underscored the handcrafted nature of Guarneri work, particularly evident in del Gesù's freer use of knives and gouges.^[29]^[33] These artisanal imperfections, including uneven chamfers and locating pins visible under purfling, distinguished their instruments from more symmetrical Cremonese peers.^[29]^[32]

Acoustic Properties and Sound

Guarneri violins are renowned for their brilliant and focused timbre, characterized by strong projection that allows for clear articulation in ensemble settings, in contrast to the warmer, more rounded tone of Stradivari instruments.^[34] This signature sound arises from an emphasis on mid-to-high frequency ranges, providing a direct and precise response that enhances expressiveness for performers.^[35] Spectral analyses of multiple Guarneri examples reveal stronger output between 315 Hz and 1.25 kHz, contributing to a nasal yet powerful quality that cuts through orchestral textures.^[36] Instruments by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri, known as del Gesù, exhibit an edgier and more variable tone, often attributed to inconsistencies in varnishing and arching that introduce subtle asymmetries in vibration patterns.^[37] These variations result in a dynamic range of timbres, from dark and robust to sharply brilliant, allowing for greater emotional depth in solo performance.^[35] Unlike the more uniform warmth of Stradivari models, del Gesù violins produce a "laser-sharp" high-end response, enhancing projection while maintaining a rich midrange presence.^[34] Pietro Guarneri's Venetian violas and cellos demonstrate deeper resonance, particularly suited for chamber music where balanced low-end warmth is essential.^[38] These instruments feature principal resonance modes in the 300-370 Hz range, providing a resonant bass response that supports intricate polyphonic textures without overpowering higher voices.^[38] The design's emphasis on thicker graduations in lower bouts contributes to sustained vibration in the C-string register, yielding a full-bodied tone ideal for intimate ensembles. Modern scientific analyses, including CT scans and modal testing, indicate that Guarneri's use of thicker plates—often denser than in contemporary instruments—generates higher overtones, fostering the instruments' distinctive "singing" quality through enhanced C4 mode activity around 650-750 Hz.^[37] This structural choice, combined with chemical treatments like alum crosslinking in the wood, increases stiffness-to-weight ratios, boosting low-frequency resonance below 500 Hz while preserving clarity in upper partials.^[39] Such properties explain the focused projection and timbral versatility observed across the family's output.^[34]

Legacy

Notable Instruments and Owners

One of the most renowned Guarneri instruments is the 1743 violin by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, known as "Il Cannone," which earned its nickname from the powerful, resonant tone that captivated its most famous owner, the virtuoso Nicolò Paganini.^[23] Paganini acquired the violin around 1802 and performed on it throughout his career, considering it his favorite instrument for its extraordinary projection and sonority.^[40] In 1837, he bequeathed it to his native city of Genoa as a gesture of gratitude, and since 1851, it has been owned by the City of Genoa, preserved and occasionally played in public concerts to maintain its condition.^[23] The instrument is regarded as priceless due to its historical significance and rarity among del Gesù's surviving works, insured for approximately €30 million as of 2024.^[41] It remains on display at the Palazzo Doria Tursi in Genoa, symbolizing the pinnacle of Guarneri craftsmanship.^[23] The 1741 "Vieuxtemps" violin, also by del Gesù, stands out for its exceptional market value and association with prominent 20th-century performers. Named after the Belgian violinist Henri Vieuxtemps, who owned and played it for over two decades starting in the mid-19th century, the instrument later passed to Henryk Szeryng, the Polish-Mexican virtuoso who used it in many of his recordings and concerts.^[42] In 2010, it was offered for private sale at an asking price of $18 million, with the final transaction in 2012 estimated at over $16 million.^[43]^[44] Currently, the violin is on lifetime loan to American violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, who has praised its rich, versatile tone in performances worldwide.^[45] Another celebrated del Gesù violin is the 1742 "Lord Wilton," named after its 19th-century owner, the English aristocrat Viscount Grey de Wilton, and admired for its lyrical, aristocratic tone that balances warmth with clarity.^[46] The instrument entered the collection of Yehudi Menuhin in 1978 after he sought a quintessential Guarneri for years, and he performed on it extensively until his death in 1999, often highlighting its expressive qualities in repertoire from Bach to contemporary works.^[47] Prior owners included notable figures like Sir Edgar Speyer and Zlatko Balokovic, underscoring its pedigree among elite musicians.^[48] Today, it continues to be played by leading soloists, maintaining its reputation for a singing, nuanced sound ideal for lyrical passages.^[49] Among instruments by other Guarneri family members, the circa 1700 violin by Pietro Giovanni Guarneri of Mantua holds distinction as the primary concert instrument of Hungarian violinist Joseph Szigeti, who preferred it over Stradivari models for its distinctive, focused tone during his extensive career from the 1920s to the 1960s.^[50] Szigeti's choice elevated the instrument's legacy, as he recorded landmark interpretations of Beethoven and Bartók on it, showcasing Pietro Giovanni's robust construction and vibrant resonance.^[51] A notable example from the earlier generation is the 1697 viola by Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae, known as the "Primrose," after Scottish violist William Primrose, who owned and performed on it for over 20 years, valuing its power and playability in orchestral and solo settings from the 1930s onward.^[52] Previously in the collection of Lord Harrington, the viola fetched over $4 million at auction in 2012, marking the highest price for a Guarneri family instrument and reflecting its rarity among the few surviving violas from the workshop.^[53] Primrose's advocacy helped cement its status as a benchmark for violists seeking instruments with broad dynamic range and lyrical depth.^[54]

Influence on Modern Luthiery

The revival of interest in Guarneri instruments during the 19th century was spearheaded by pioneering collectors and dealers such as Luigi Tarisio, who traversed Europe amassing and auctioning rare old Italian violins, thereby reintroducing their exceptional craftsmanship to a broader audience of musicians and connoisseurs. Tarisio's efforts, which included discovering and selling masterpieces by the Guarneri family, played a pivotal role in elevating the status of these instruments from obscurity to coveted treasures, fostering a market that persists today through houses like the Tarisio auction firm named in his honor.^[55]^[56] This surge in demand, however, has been accompanied by persistent authentication challenges, as forgers have exploited the complexity of Guarneri attributions to create convincing fakes that have deceived even seasoned experts. Notable cases include violins repeatedly certified as genuine del Gesù works but later exposed as forgeries, highlighting vulnerabilities in traditional authentication methods like label analysis and varnish examination, where modern replicas mimic historical techniques with alarming precision.^[57]^[58] Contemporary luthiers continue the Guarneri legacy by meticulously copying designs, particularly those of Bartolomeo Giuseppe 'del Gesù', to replicate the instruments' renowned projection and tonal depth. Makers like Gregg Alf, often collaborating with Joseph Curtin, emulate del Gesù's irregular arching, bold f-holes, and distinctive orange-red varnish, resulting in modern instruments that achieve comparable power and responsiveness without antiquing, as evidenced by high-profile commissions such as the 1985 copy of the 'Gibson, ex-Huberman' for violinist Ruggiero Ricci.^[59]^[60] In the 2020s, the auction market for authentic Guarneri violins underscores their lasting appeal, with average prices for del Gesù models typically ranging from $3 million to $9 million as of 2025, driven by rising demand as seen in post-2020 sales like the 2023 'Baltic' violin fetching a record $9.44 million at Tarisio. This upward trend reflects growing collector interest amid economic recovery, positioning Guarneri instruments as blue-chip assets in fine art markets.^[61]^[62] Guarneri violins also exert a profound cultural influence, appearing in cinematic narratives such as The Red Violin (1998), which chronicles the mythic journey of a legendary instrument inspired by Cremonese masters, symbolizing passion and tragedy across centuries. Additionally, acoustic studies, including blind tests, have revealed that listeners sometimes prefer the robust, projecting tone of old Italian violins like those by Stradivari in certain contexts, challenging assumptions about their superiority and informing modern luthiery practices.^[63]^[64]

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Discover Pietro Guarneri of Venice | Ingles & Hayday - Violin auctions
Pietro Guarneri, son of Giuseppe filius Andreæ, left his native Cremona around 1717, having assisted in the family workshop for about 10 years.
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From the archive: a violin by Pietro Guarneri of Venice, 1737 | Gallery
Dec 8, 2013 · This instrument by Petrus Guarnerius, Venice, 1737, is published in The Strad, January 1928 ... One of only five or six cellos made by the luthier ...
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Harrison - The Fulton Collection
Harrison. Cello - Pietro Guarneri, Venice, 1735. “The Harrison is a glorious instrument. It is, by far, the finest of the Guarneri cellos. It has a marvelous ...
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A Comparison of Wood Density between Classical Cremonese and ...
Jul 2, 2008 · The top and back plates differ in density, as top plates are made from spruce (Picea abies) and the rest of the instrument, including the back ...
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[PDF] The Working Methods of Guarneri del Gesů and their Influence upon ...
Dendrochronological analysis has shown that Del. Gesů's belly wood was often no more than three or four years old when the violins were constructed. At the ...
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Materials Engineering of Violin Soundboards by Stradivari and ...
Jun 1, 2021 · This motivated us to analyze a rare collection of Cremonese wood samples that included both spruce and maple from the three major Cremonese ...
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Chemical distinctions between Stradivari's maple and ... - PNAS
Dec 19, 2016 · Violin acoustics is mainly determined by vibrations of the front and back plates, made of spruce and maple, respectively. It has long been ...
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[PDF] Multidisciplinary approach to wooden musical instrument identification
Basic features are the outline, wood choice, arching shape, purfling ... shapes, tool marks and construction features, varnish appearance and wood treatment.
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[PDF] a study of style and influence in the early schools of violin making ...
If he ever did work in Cremona, it was probably with Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae or Carlo. Bergonzi. Lorenzo's edgework is deeply grooved and the backs.<|separator|>
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[PDF] frequency response in the 'Vieuxtemps' Guarneri 'del Gesù'
Did Guarneri 'del Gesù' leave their plates so thick because he used low-density wood and wanted to compensate for its inherently lower stiffness? Or did he ...
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[PDF] Differences of Sound Spectra in Violins by Stradivari and Guarneri ...
ABSTRACT. Thirty fine Cremonese violins made in the shops of Antonio. Stradivari and Guarneri del Ges6 are compared based on long-time average spectra.<|separator|>
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Differences of Sound Spectra in Violins by Stradivari and Guarneri ...
Thirty fine Cremonese violins made in the shops of Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesú are compared based on long-time average spectra.Missing: overtones | Show results with:overtones
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[PDF] CT and modal analysis of the 'Vieuxtemps' Guarneri 'del Gesù'
Jan 3, 2011 · CT scans show that the plates of the 'Vieuxtemps' are denser and thicker than those of other 'del Gesù' violins tested, resulting in the weight ...
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[PDF] Catgut Acoustical Society - Stacks
Peter Guarneri of Venice, Venice. D (294) without bar. 2.7-3.3. F (349) withnew bar. Peter Guarneri of Venice, Venice 1729. D# (311) withoutbar. 2.1-3.0. F# ( ...
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Materials Engineering of Violin Soundboards by Stradivari and ...
The soundboard is the most important acoustic component of the violin.[,] It also has to withstand over 80 N (approx. 8 kilogram‐force) of string tension ...
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How much is Paganini's Guarneri violin worth? - Quora
Oct 20, 2017 · Il Cannone is insured for $4,000,000, and is currently on exhibit at a museum in Italy.
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Asking price would make Vieuxtemps Guarneri the most expensive ...
Jul 5, 2010 · Asking price would make Vieuxtemps Guarneri the most expensive musical instrument ever. This article is more than 15 years old. Made in 1741 by ...
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Play It Again, Vieuxtemps. But for $18 Million? - The New York Times
Jun 19, 2010 · The celebrated Vieuxtemps violin is for sale, with a Chicagoan acting as the broker. The asking price? Only $18 million.
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Guarneri 'del Gesù' c.1731 'Baltic' violin sells for $9.44 million at ...
Mar 17, 2023 · While the 'Baltic' is now the most expensive Guarneri sold at auction, the most expensive Guarneri ever sold remains the 'Vieuxtemps', sold in a ...
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Anne Akiko Meyers Receives Lifetime Use of 'Vieuxtemps” Guarneri ...
Jan 24, 2013 · Anne Akiko Meyers with the ex-Vieuxtemps. Last time I checked, the asking price for the 1741 "Vieuxtemps” Guarneri del Gesu was $18 million ...
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Lord Wilton - The Fulton Collection
Its tone is silvery and aristocratic. I owned the Lord Wilton for nearly 20 years and loved every minute. It is a perfect violin, the Apollo of violins ...Missing: lyrical | Show results with:lyrical
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Menuhin's violins - Tarisio
Apr 19, 2016 · Lord Wilton Guarneri. After years of seeking the ideal Guarneri, Menuhin finally found the 1742 'Lord Wilton' in the 1970s. Photos: Peter ...
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Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù', Cremona, 1742, the 'Lord ...
Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù', Cremona, 1742, the 'Lord Wilton'. Violin: 40256. FIT TO SCREEN FULL SIZE. Bearing its original label.
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James Ehnes performs on the Guarneri 'del Gesù' 'Lord Wilton' violin
Apr 25, 2016 · James Ehnes performs Tchaikovsky's Melody, op.42 no.3 on the Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù' 'Lord Wilton' violin, 1742.
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[PDF] No. 31 - Bein & Fushi
The distinguished virtuoso Joseph. Szigeti played a Pietro of Mantua violin. Violin making was not Guarneri's only occupation. He was also an accomplished ...
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Peter Guarneri of Mantua - The Pegbox - Maestronet Forums
Sep 29, 2007 · The only great violinist of the 20th century who used a Peter of Mantua as his primary instrument was Joseph Szigeti. He chose it over Strads ...Petrus Guarnerius Violin - The Pegbox - Maestronet ForumsScientific investigations of Stradivarius violins--an updated review ...More results from maestronet.com
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Giuseppe Guarneri 'filius Andreae', Cremona, 1697, the 'Primrose ...
It was a Viola by Giuseppe Guarneri, filius Andreæ, a charming specimen (now in the ownership of the Earl of Harrington).
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'Primrose' Guarneri viola of 1697 - Tarisio
The viola sold for over $4 million, the highest price paid for a Guarneri family instrument at auction and the highest publicly recorded price for a viola of ...
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The 'Primrose, Lord Harrington' Guarneri viola - Tarisio
May 4, 2021 · The 'Primrose, Lord Harrington' Guarneri viola combining power with playability, this fine 1697 instrument inspires makers and players alike.
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Luigi Tarisio and His Legacy - Benning Violins
Luigi Tarisio earned a legacy as a trader of fine violins, violas and cellos crafted by the Italian masters like Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari.
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Luigi Tarisio, part 1
Nov 22, 2017 · Luigi Tarisio is an almost mythical figure in the history of the violin. His reputation as the 'violin finder general' or the sorcerer of violin collectors.Missing: Guarneri | Show results with:Guarneri
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The elephant in the room: An expert forgery by Jack Lott - Tarisio
Mar 22, 2024 · Throughout its history, this beguiling violin has been repeatedly bought, sold and certified as a genuine Guarneri. By Jason Price and Michael A ...Missing: authentication | Show results with:authentication
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Steven Staryk on violin and bow forgeries | Focus - The Strad
Mar 16, 2021 · The best protection against fakes that string instrument buyers have is a certificate of authentication from a reputable dealer. ... They include ...<|separator|>
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9 views on antiquing a modern violin | Focus - The Strad
May 22, 2019 · Gregg Alf. An antiqued violin by Gregg Alf. After ... They include masterpieces by Stradivari, Guarneri 'del Gesù', Guadagnini and Gagliano.
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Copying the Huberman Guarneri for Ruggiero Ricci - Tarisio
Oct 4, 2013 · Gregg Alf recalls the experience of making a copy of the 'Gibson, Huberman' Guarneri with Joseph Curtin for the violinist Ruggiero Ricci.Missing: modern luthiers
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Acquire a Great Instrument - Stradivari Society
Most of the post-1700 Stradivari violins and post-1730 Guarneri violins currently sell in a range of $3,000,000 to $9,000,000, depending on their condition and ...
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'Is $16 million for a violin too much to pay? Not these days' | The Strad
Apr 29, 2021 · In the 1998 movie The Red Violin, a great violin maker named Nicolo Bussotti, based on the real-life luthier Antonio Stradivari, supposedly ...
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Listener evaluations of new and Old Italian violins - PNAS
May 8, 2017 · Results from two studies show that, under blind conditions, experienced violinists tend to prefer playing new violins over Old Italians.