Ref :   1062

A fine Italian violin by
Fabio de Lorenzi
(b. 1980)
 
Cremona, 2011

Sold with a certificate of authenticity by the maker.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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In a recent conversation with Fabio de Lorenzi, he explained to me that in his own work as maker he works without rush, focusing on the tonal response of the woods he's crafting, which according to him is largely lost in modern Cremonese violin making in favor of commercialism - a view which was shared by one of his teachers, Francesco Bissolotti (1928-2019), who in turn was a student of Simone Sacconi (1895-1973) who initiated the restoration to Cremona of pure Cremonese traditions. This movement aims to revive the original 17th and 18th century Cremonese violin making techniques, which had begun being overshadowed by foreign influences, mainly French.

Born in Cremona in 1980, De Lorenzi studied at the Antonio Stradivari International Violin Making School in Cremona, graduating in 2008. He initially focused on restoration and spent 3 years studying with Bernard Neumann - one of the foremost restorers in Cremona. He later also studied bow making with among others, Emilio Slaviero. He also worked for the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, spending three months on the restoration of a rare 17th century Brescian School cello. After that he spent some time studying with the foremost Cremonese restorer, Jens Johansson, learning the latest restoration techniques. De Lorenzi also holds a degree in Chinese Culture and Languages from the University of Venice.

This violin is a copy of a 1715 Stradivari and was made for a violin making competition. It shows excellent choice of materials: the two-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll are of nicely flamed maple with a distinct narrow to medium curl. The top is of superb tone spruce with very even medium-grained winter growthlines. The linseed oil varnish is a golden light brown of high transparency complimenting the wood nicely. Purfling, corners and Fs are meticulous and sharp and the scroll strong and well-balanced. De Lorenzi uses blackened champhers in the scroll and rib bouts - a technique associated with numerous Italian makers, including Guerra, Fagnola, Antonio Guadagnini and others.

This violin, as one would expect from this maker, is well-toned and a pleasure to play on.

   
   
 

Dimensions :
  Length of back: 36.0 cm

Condition :
  Although made in 2011, this violin remained in the maker's personal collection until now. It is in impeccable condition.
It is currently fitted with an attractive set of rosewood fittings.

Provenance :
  Withheld

Price : On request
 

 
 
 
 

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