Signature Instruments
Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri ‚del Gesù‘
(1698 – 1744)
Giuseppe Guarneri’s two sons Pietro of Venice and Giuseppe ‚del Gesù‘ both trained with and assisted him in the 1710s, but in keeping with the individuality of the Guarneri tradition their conceptions of violin making developed along strikingly dissimilar lines. While Pietro earns respect for his deft combination of Cremonese and Venetian styles, the rich and complex tonal quality of Giuseppe’s instruments distinguish him as one of the greatest violin makers in history.
Antonio Stradivari (c. 1644 – 1737)
Antonio Stradivari is almost universally regarded as the greatest violin maker in history, and the value of his instruments reflects that exalted status. He was born in circa 1644, and his 71 year career is a vivid account of early mastery, fluid and ingenious innovation, and indelible craftsmanship and artistry. With the help of his sons Francesco and Omobono, Stradivari made nearly a thousand instruments, of which about 650 survive. They are distinguished equally for their exquisite craftsmanship, materials and unsurpassed tone quality.
