Rolando Rinfreschi (1932 - 2011) was born in Pistoia, near Florence, where in his youth he apprentised as violin maker. However, his chosen path was as musician - he held professorships in Florence in both violin and piano before moving to South Africa where he eventually took up position as Principal Second Violin in the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra in Durban, where he played until his retirement.

Throughout his life he made violins and his instruments are widely used by professional orchestra musicians and students throughout South Africa and elsewhere. He also undertook the bulk of repairs and restorations in the Durban area and was respected for excellent workmanship.

As violin maker Rinfreschi copied neither Stradivari, Guarneri or any other makers, but designed his own model based on the analyses, formulas and publications of Simone Sacconi. His violins all have excellent tonal properties. For his instruments he imported top grade tone wood and fittings from Europe. Having been a professional principal violinist for most of his life, he had the advantage of knowing what violinists wanted in a violin and in assessing the tonal properties in his own instruments. All things considered, his instruments are viewed as Italian.

This violin bears Rinfreschi's label and was made in 1999. It is very well-toned with an easy and open response lending itself to performance at a very high level. It speaks with power and penetration and with the refined tonal quality normally associated with good Italian instruments.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.7 cm

Condition :
	Excellent condition. Superficial scratches in the back have no structural implication.

Provenance :
	Owned by Johan Grobbelaar

Price :

P.O.A.