The violin and related instruments were developed in northern Italy around 1540 and have been made continuously since that time.
In Cremona, during four generations, the Amati family made violins, violas and cellos on the highest level of craftsmanship. In that sphere of violin making Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù created their masterpieces.
Later, in the 19th and 20th century there were violin makers, in particular Giuseppe Fiorini and Simone Sacconi who preserved or rediscovered important knowledge. Fiorini bequeathed the tools, patterns, moulds and construction drawings of Stradivari to the town of Cremona where they are now exhibited in the Museo del Violino. Sacconi examined the instruments of Stradivari during his restoration work and made accurate documentations. He published his observations and conclusions in the book „The ’secrets‘ of Stradivari“. For many years Sacconi was teaching at the International Violin Making School in Cremona and influenced following generations of violin makers.
I learned the art of violin making at the International School of Violinmaking in Cremona. There I studied the „metodo classico cremonese“ with Vincenzo Bissolotti son of Francesco Bissolotti who was pupil of Sacconi. When I got my diploma I dedicated myself for over 12 years to restoration, expertise and sound adjustment of fine instruments. These years of experience gave me expertise and inspiration for my later making of new instruments.
I study regularly the results of the latest researches on old violins and relate these to my work (e.g. F. Denis‘ study about construction drawings of violins). The chairman of the 2011 Wieniawski Violin Making Competition called my violin „an exceptional violin very well done„.
My instruments have won several awards in international competitions:
- In 1993: finalist at the International Violin Making Competition in Prague achieving first place for sound quality.
- In 2011: 3rd prize and bronze medal at the 12th Henryk Wieniawski Violin Making Competition in Poznan.
- In 2011: finalist at the Concours Etienne Vatelot in Paris.
- In 2012: 1st prize and gold medal for viola at the XIII. Concorso Triennale degli strumenti ad arco «Antonio Stradivari» in Cremona.
Beyond highest standards of craftmanship, my work is focused on developing the individual sound of each instrument to suit the musician.
