Old Italian violins are generally revered as the “holy grail” in the violin world. This is due, in part at least, to the early Italian luthiers who forever forged a place in the instrument’s history with their master craftsmanship and devotion to this lovely instrument. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at three of the highly regarded, early Italian violin makers from the Cremona school.

Nicolo Amati, born 1596, was the son and disciple of Girolamo Amati. He is considered the finest luthier of his family. Among the many beloved attributes of Amati’s violins is their brilliant varnish in shades from yellow-brown to a golden red. Equally captivating is their tone which is penetrating and sweet but, because of the higher arching, lack the sheer power of a Stradivari. The length of his violins were mostly 14 inches or slightly under. Many of his family were lost to the plague, but Nicolo survived to become the master of the greatest violin maker who ever lived, Antonio Stradivari. Nicolo Amati died in 1684.

Antonio Stradivari, born 1644, made violins even up to the year of his death in 1737. He inscribed on his labels his age at various times even up to “d’Anni 93″, a reference to his age of 93 at the time. A verbal description of him by a violin virtuoso, Polledro, who alleged that his old teacher had known Stradivari personally) was that he was a tall and lean man who wore a white wollen cap and white leather apron when working. Stradivari violins provide evidence that he was a pupil of Nicolo Amati. In fact, it is alleged that he became Amati’s pupil at 11 years of age.

Born in 1676, Carlo Bergonzi worked beside Antonio Stradivari in his workshop. Bergonzi also lived in Stradivari’s house after 1746. It is said that Bergonzi was Stradivari’s favorite pupil. Bergonzi hence inheirited all the working materials of Stradivari in 1742, just before his death in 1747. Bergonzi’s violins are one of the best concert violins. They are said to be capable of reaching the corners of the largest concert halls with their magnificent, brilliant tone.

The Cremona school of violin making is highly esteemed in the violin world today and it is due in no small part to the love of the violin demonstrated by these three Italian luthiers in their workmanship which has stood the test of time.

Ye Old Violin Shop features dozens of Italian violins such as the Amati violin and violins from French, German, and other luthiers. Be sure to visit the new violin forum too!

- Daniel Wright