Archive

More detailed information about stringed instruments and the history of violin making.

Samuel Zygmuntowicz: understanding Stradivarius in New York

François Nicolas Voirin and the new French violin bow

Joseph Hel: a master in the Vuillaume tradition

Jean-François Raffin: ten hours - and not a word

Rembert Wurlitzer and the travels of antique violins

The violin bow: a brief depiction of its history

The end of violin making in Klingenthal

Contemporary Italian master violin by Nicola Vendrame, Venice

This indeed beautiful Italian violin is a contemporary piece by Nicola Vendrame, a highly interesting luthier from Venice whose works belong to the Milanese school. After acquiring initial experience at the workshop of Franco Simeoni in Treviso, he completed his vocational training under Luca Primon at the famous Civica Scuola di Liuteria di Milano. Master classes with Carlos Arcieri (a student of the Wurlitzer employee S. F. Sacconi), Samuel Zygmuntovicz, Guy Rabut and Bruce Carlson helped Nicola Vendrame mature into a multi-facetted luthier and restorer; musicians from top-tier Italian orchestras and professors of influential schools such as the Salzburg Mozarteum entrust him with their instruments. His obligations in the field of restoration and repair and his own research projects leave Nicole Vendrame very little time to craft new instruments, which means that this violin may certainly be regarded as a modern rarity. Its cosmopolitan elegance and inimitable and distinctive air are a noteworthy tribute to his finely honed aesthetic sense. The small and delicately crafted scroll encapsulates the subdued and sophisticated style, one in which even the rich orange coat of oil varnish seems slightly opulent as it accentuates the broad flames of the two-piece maple back and the evenly-grained top of premium spruce. The bright and open sound of this outstanding violin is full of timbre and gives demanding musicians ways to play nuanced and contemporary interpretations. After having thoroughly set up and adjusted the violin at our atelier for restoration, we offer it ready to play and in top condition.

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