This Italian violin is an expressive young piece that was made in 1993 in San Giovanni di Persiceto near Bologna; Giorgio Martinelli’s signature and several dates on the inside of the body confirm its provenance. The two-piece back of deeply flamed maple and the top of finely- to moderately-grained spruce are a manifestation of solidly executed...
This Italian violin is an expressive young piece that was made in 1993 in San Giovanni di Persiceto near Bologna; Giorgio Martinelli’s signature and several dates on the inside of the body confirm its provenance. The two-piece back of deeply flamed maple and the top of finely- to moderately-grained spruce are a manifestation of solidly executed craftsmanship, and the tone woods were varnished in an attractive golden-orange oil. Despite the fact that this appears to be one of Giorgio Martinelli’s earlier works and not many of his instruments are known, the exceedingly lovely model here shows a well-developed personal style. The straightforward aesthetic of the scroll's well-proportioned carving and the intelligently conceived design of the table are compelling details of an instrument whose maker, in keeping with the finest Italian tradition, was more interested in the quality of the sound than in achieving perfection down to the finest details. As a result, it has bright and somewhat soft voice which is warm in the lower registers and open and radiant in the higher notes, a sound that has truly earned our special recommendation. In keeping with its relatively young age, the violin is in perfect condition and was completely set up and made ready to play by the specialists at our atelier for restoration.
