Mantua, 1998.
The Barbieri family includes eight violin makers. Born in 1947, Silvio Barbieri studied violin making with his father Bruno. His instruments are beautifully crafted using the finest materials.
Andrea studied violin making at the Parma violin making school with Renato Scrollavezza. In 2002 he formed a partnership with Renato's daughter Elise Scrollavezza. He has since become famous in the violin world not only as a maker, but as a teacher and expert.
Avallon mid 19th century
Silvio Barbieri was taught by his father Bruno who learned his craft under Gaetano Gadda.
Justin Amédée was the son and pupil of his father Honoré. This violin is a classic example of high quality Mirecourt workmanship.
Paolo began his training with his uncle Arturo Virgoletti in 1999. Moving to Cremona, he worked with Elio Severgnini. While there, he had the opportunity to restore fine old instruments and study closely the work of the masters. He worked with master makers in Tokyo and Madrid before opening his own workshop in S.Polo d’Enza near Parma. This beautifully made violin has the full, rich tone that we expect from his instruments.
After graduating from the Chicago School of Violin Making, Sam Billings worked in the Chicago area and was represented by major Chicago violin shops including Kenneth Warren and Sons and Bein & Fushi. His violins have been acquired by a number of important musicians for example, the first violinist of the Takács Quartet.
Charles Voiry trained in Mirecourt as did most of the best French violin makers. He then moved to the beautiful and historic city of Toulouse and soon became very successful. His shop was frequented by some of the finest musicians of the time including Zino Francescatti, Jacques Thibaud, Ginette Neveau and cellist Andre Nevarra.
For over one hundred years (1909-2010) the firm of William Moennig & Sons was one of the most important violin dealers in this country. Over the years they employed some of the best makers in this country. They also had close relationships with some the finest violin makers in Markneukirchen (due in part to the fact that William Jr. studied violin making there before the second world war) and they were able to get many of the finest violins from those makers after the second world war. This is an especially fine violin and is in almost perfect condition.
Born in Livorno in 1964, Pietrantonio worked with several important makers who trained him in the traditions of the Bisiach family and especially Igino Sderci. This violin is a reproduction of the model of J.B.Guadagnini and has as wonderful rich tone of great character.
Michele studied violin making with his cousin Gennaro then settled in Casigliano, moving to Salerno in 1943. In the late 1950’s he emigrated to New York, working with Rembert Wurlitzer and Jacques Français.
Although he wasn’t a prolific maker it is clear from this violin that Georges Cherpital was a highly skilled maker. He worked with his father Nicolas Émile and then worked with Cuesnon.
Mid 19th. Century – branded and signed.
Over four generations, the Vavra family has been some of the most important makers in Prague. Karl is one of the best known makers in that great music capital. This violin is an excellent example of this maker's work and is in pristine condition with a brilliant and responsive tone.
The Glass family of violin makers were active from the late 17th through the mid 20th centuries. This beautiful violin was made at a time when German violin making was at its peak.
Buthod was one of many gifted makers who worked for Vuillaume before joining Husson in Mirecourt forming a large and successful workshop. This is a very fine violin and is in superb condition.
Like so many French makers, Delivet apprenticed in Mirecourt. After working there with Victor Rambaux, he moved to Paris working with H.C.Silvestre. He opened his own shop in Paris in 1892. His work was highly regarded and he won numerous gold medals in major exhibitions. In 1918 he emigrated to Canada working in Toronto and Montreal. This violin has a nice brilliant and responsive tone.
Boquay along with Claude Pierray was the premiere early Parisian maker. Built on the grand Amati pattern, this violin has a nice full, rich tone.
The Collin-Mezin workshop made fine violins from the end of the 19th century until the 1950s. The "Le Victorieux" were Charles II own model.