Books on Italian instruments

930017: W. Hamma: Meister ital. Geigenbaukunst, 8. Auflage

W. Hamma: Italian Violin Makers Hardback, 804pp. Standard reference work featuring black-and-white photographs of instruments by 177 Italian makers from the 17th to the 19th century. Most instruments are featured on a two-page spread with middle-bout close-ups, photos of the table, back and scroll. Each maker is introduced with a short characterization. Text in English, German, French and Italian.

930017

930020: Gaetano e Pietro Sgarabotto

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N.N.: Gaetano e Pietro Sgarabotto Hardback, 150pp. Color photographs (table, back, three scroll views, mostly large-format) of 18 instruments by Gaetano Sgarabotto and of 14 instruments by Pietro Sgarabotto. Includes tables of measurements. Text in Italian and English.

930020

930021: Magrini: A.& G. Pollastri

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Magrini: A. & G. Pollastri Hardback, 85pp. Photographs (mostly color) of 26 violins by Augusto and Gaetano Pollastri. The book includes a biographical introduction and an appendix showing brand marks, labels, certificates and other historical documents. Text in Italian and English.

930021

930022: Nicolini: School of Cremona violin-making

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Nicolini: School of Cremonese violin making Hardback, 160pp. A very revealing, well-written work published to celebrate the Cremonese Violin-Making School's 40th anniversary in 1978. Many historical photos are included, and the author is sincere in his appraisals of the school's ups and downs. 32 instruments are featured with black-and-white photographs, all of them made by the school's graduates. Text in English.

930022

933005: E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1860-1960, Vol I - Emilia Romagna

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E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1860-1960, Vol. I: Emilia Romagna Hardback, 198pp. First volume of the series on modern Italian violin making. This volume covers the region of Emilia Romagna, the region which includes Bologna, Rimini, Ferrara, Piacenza, Modena and Parma. Featuring excellent color photographs of 34 instruments by 26 makers, including the Pollastris, Fiorini, the Carlettis, the Sgarabottos, Capicchioni, Fracassi and others. Measurements are provided for all instruments, and many of them are shown on four.page spreads with large-format, detailed color photos. Each instrument is characterized with a short text, and each maker is introduced with thorough biography along with remarks on style and work methods. Over 90 further makers are mentioned in the useful appendix. The volume includes a full essay by Gabriele Carletti on Raffaele Fiorini's workshop in Bologna. Complete text in English and Italian.

933005

933006: E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1860-1960 II - Lombardia/Veneto

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E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1860-1960, Vol. II: Lombardia /Veneto Hardback, 335pp. Second volume in the acclaimed series on Italian vioin making. This volume covers the region of Lombardy, surrounding Milan, and the Veneto region with Venice as its focal point. Featuring excellent color photographs of 53 instruments by 33 makers, including the Antoniazzis, the Bisiachs, the Cerutis, G. Gadda, the Galimbertis, Giuseppe Ornati, the Rovescallis, St. Scarampella, and many others. Measurements are provided for all instruments, and many of them are featured on four-page spreads with large-format, detailed color photos. Each instruments is characterized with a short text, and each maker is introduced with thorough biography and remarks on style and work methods. Close to 200 further makers are mentioned in the useful appendix. The volume includes extra full essays on the Antoniazzi and Bisiach families. Complete text in English and Italian.

933006

933007: E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1860-1960 III - Liguria

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E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1860-1960, Vol. III: Liguria Hardback, 211pp. Excellent photographs of 36 instruments by 13 makers from the Liguria region (around Genoa), including Cesare and Oreste Candi, Eugenio Praga and Enrico Rocca. Measurements are provided for all instruments, and many of them are featured on four-page spreads with large-format, detailed color photos. Each instruments is characterized with a short text, and each maker is introduced with thorough biography and remarks on style and work methods. 47 further makers are mentioned in the useful appendix. An extra essay by Alberto Giordano is included on the subject of Paganini and the Guarneri del Gesù "Cannon" violin. Complete text in English and Italian.

933007

933008: E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1800-1950 IV - Piedmont

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E. Blot: Liuteria Italiana 1800-1950, Vol. IV: Piedmont Hardback, 413pp. Representing a leap forward in quality in this already highly-acclaimed series, the fourth volume concentrates on Italian violin makers from the Piedmont region (around Turin). With appealing graphics and further (!) improved photo quality, this book features reproductions of ca. 77 instruments by 26 Piedmont makers, including measurements. All relevant features are photographed (brands, labels, bridges, special views of certain areas, etc). Each maker is introduced with a biography, in many cases providing further historical photographs. There are introductory essays on D'Espine, Pressenda, Rocca and on the Guadagnini family. Text in English and Italian.

933008

933010: Pollens/Biddulph: The violin forms of A. Stradivari

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Pollens / Biddulph: The Violin Forms of Antonio Stradivari Hardback, full-size large format (44cm x 34cm) with fold-out illustrations A thorough documentation of the surviving forms (molds) and patterns that Stradivarius used to make his violins, including complete b/w photographic documentation (full-size) and measurements. Text chapters also cover the provenance of the forms, their chronology and the significance of the inscriptions. Photographs of forms include those of 12 violins, 2 contralto violas, a tenor viola, two viola da gambas, guitars, etc. The patterns include F-hole placement templates as well as patterns for necks and scrolls.

933010

933033: S.F. Sacconi: The secrets of Stradivari

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S. F. Sacconi: The "Secrets" of Stradivari Hardback, 264pp. This thoroughly illustrated book was ground-breaking in its time, and is still considered essential to the craft. Consulting all surviving equipment used by Stradivarius, Sacconi provides chapters on geometric construction, models and moulds, back and belly thickness, F-hole position, purfling, the carving of the scroll, decoration, and thorough discussion of the varnish. This new English edition (2000) provides essential corrections to previous editions. Text in English. Also available in German.

933033

934010: N.N.: Liutai Piemontesi fra XIX e XX sec.

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Liutai Piemontesi fra XIX e XX sec. da Pressenda e Fagnola by Gianni Accornero and Eric Blot Consorzio Liutai & Archettai, Cremonaоpp. Featuring photos of twenty-two 19th- and 20th-century Italian instruments (table, back, scroll) by Turin makers such as Fagnola, Guerra, the Marchettis, Oddone, Pressenda and Rocca. Short biographical notes accompany the photos. Text in Italian and English.

934010

934016: Edizione Il Salabue: Annibale Fagnola

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Annibale Fagnola. By G. Accornero, I. Epicoco, E. Guerci⠔pp. Hardcover in hard slipcase. With an essay on Fagnola’s life and an extra section on his pupils Annibalotto Fagnola, Stefano Vittorio Fasciolo and Riccardo Genovese (including large color photos of their instruments). Featuring excellent, detailed, full page color photos of 20 Fagnola instruments (soundhole detailes, table, back and four different scroll angles: 7 large photos per instrument). With comparative, life-size plates of the soundholes and scrolls, as well as measurement tables. Complete text in English.

934016

934020: Bruce Carlsson: Domenico Montagnana

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Domenico Montagnana: 'Lauter in Venetia': Exposition of Lendinara 1997
edited by Fausto Cacciatori and Bruce Carlson
Hardback.

934020

934021: P. Biddulph: Guarneri del Gesù

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P. Biddulph: Guarneri del Gesu Hardback, 2 vols. in slipcase, 334pp. total. The definitive work on Guarneri del Gesù's violins, based on the instruments gathered at the New York exhibit of 1994. The first volume contains FULL-SCALE, detailed and excellent color photographs of twenty-five violins made by Guarneri del Gesu. Each violin is featured on six full-size pages, including photos of each side and four close-ups of the scroll, and given a short characterization of its style, individual characteristics, labels and ownership history. Vol. II starts with a detailed biographical history of Guarneri del Gesu (written by Carlo Chiesa and Duane Rosengard).

934021

934023: N.N.: I centenari dei Guarneri

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I centenari dei Guarneri 1698-1998 The Exhibition in Cremona 1998 Sott cover, 107pp. With essays by Andrea Mosconi, Carlo Chiesa, Andrea Foglia (on the ‘IHS’ emblem), Gianpaolo Gregori and Roberto Codazzi. Includes color photos (table and back) of 15 instruments by the Guarneri family. Complete text in English and Italian.

934023

934035: N.N.: The travels of J.B. Guadagnini

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The Travels of G.B. Guadagnini The Exhibition in Cremona, 1999 By the Consorzio Liutai e Archetai Antonio Stradivari Cremona Hardback.129pp Complete text in Italian and in English Color photos of 14 instruments (table, back and scroll), with measurements.l specialized articles on Guadagnini’s life and work.

934035

934041: J. Huber: Italienische Violinen des 18. Jahrhunderts

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J. Huber: 18th Century Italian Violins. Selected Reference Examples. Vol. I Hardback. 167pp. Full-page color photos of 42 violins (for ex. by Bergonzi, Storioni, Grancino, Testori, Guadagnini, the Guarneri and the Gagliano families), featuring views of the table, back, scroll, soundhole, middle bout and edge of each violin. Introduction in English and German.

934041

934043: Bonetti et al: Stradivari. Reports and Documents 1937

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Antonio Stradivari: Reports and Documents Paperback. 104pp. by Carlo Bonetti, Agostino Cavalcabo and Ugo Gualizzini The first (1937) serious enquiry into Antonio Stradivari’s natural origins, family fortunes, artistic derivations and connections. Contains many b/w illustrations, maps and a family tree. Text in English.

934043

934044: Gabrielli: The violinmakers of the Marches (1935)

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Gabrielli: The violinmakers of the Marches Paperback. 126pp. Contains 23 b/w illustrations. Reprint (English) of the 1935 book containing short biographical notices on 54 violin makers (for instance Adelino Galeazzo, Giovannia and Vincenzo Paci, etc.).

934044

934045: Nardi: Cesare Candi and violin of Paganini (1948)

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Carlo Nardi: The Violinmaker Cesare Candi and Paganini's Violin Paperback. 70pp; 15 Illustrations. A memoir by the restorer of Paganini’s ‘Cannon’ violin.

934045

934047: Marengo: Three sons of the Langhe (Pressenda, Rocca, Mar.)

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Marengo: Three sons of the Langhe: Pressenda, Rocca, Marengo Paperback. 30pp Reprint and English translation of the short 1903 on three important 19th-century violin makers from the town of Alba.

934047

934050: Cremona Violins from the Renaissance to the Romantic Era

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…and they made violins in Cremona from Renaissance to Romantic era. Four Centuries of Violin Making Art. The Exhibition in Cremona 2000 Catalogue of the Ente Triennale Internatzionale degli Strumenti Ad Arco in Cremona 2000⟮pp. With essays by Carlo Chiesa, Andrew Dipper, Roger G. Hargrave, Andrea Mosconi, John Topham and Dmitry Gindin on early and late violin making in Cremona as well as on the Amatis and on Stradivarius. Full text in English and Italian. With full page, excellent color photos of 28 instruments by Gennaro, Rogeri, Storioni, Rota, the Amatis, the Ruggeris, the Guarneris, the Stradivaris, the Bergonzis and the Cerutis. Each instrument is featured with photos of the table, the back, the scroll and the middle bout.

934050

934053: D. Rosengard: G.B. Guadagnini

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D. Rosengard: Giovanni Battista Guadagnini Hardback, 315pp. A fully illustrated, 125-page biography of Guadagnini is followed by excellent, full-page color photos of 42 of his instruments. Many of them are presented in large, full-page format, and there are further astoundingly detailed close-ups. A complete table of measurements is provided.

934053

934062: Stefano Pio: Liuteri e Sonadori, Venezia 1750-1870

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Stefano Pio: Liuteri e Sonadori, Venezia 1750-1870 (Violin Makers and Players, Venice 1750-1870) Hardback, 400pp. This lavish textbook features color photos of 36 violins, violas, cellos and double basses by Venetian makers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Full page views of table and back are provided for all instruments, along with scroll details. In many cases, other detailed photos are supplied where it is pertinent. Featured makers are Serafin, Deconet, Busan, Ongaro, Molinari, Bellosio, Novello, Cerin, Bodio, Santagiuliana, Pelizon, Pedrinelli, Corain, Chiocchi, Dollenz, Fabris and others. Individual essays on "The Hospitals as Musical Institutions of the City", "Dragonetti and his Gasparo da Salò Double Bass", "The Bagatella and De Luca families", "Michele Deconet, the Traveling Violinist", "Giorgio Serafin and his Bottega 'alla Cremona' ", "Bellosio and his Pupils", "The Production of Musical Instruments in Venice 1810-1850", "The La Fenice Theatre", "Antonio Pelizon, Wood Worker and Violin Maker", "Nineteenth Century Violin Makers from Trieste", etc. Each violin maker is featured with a biographical essay. A large appendix features photo reproductions of 40 certificates written by Sellas, Serafin, Bellosio and Novello. Complete text in Italian and English.

934062

934063: Artemio Versari: Liuteria Moderna in Emilia-Romagna

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Artemio Versari: Liuteria Moderna in Emilia-Romagna Hardback in a hard, sturdy slipcase. 299pp Featuring color photos of ninety-one 20th-century instruments from the Emilia-Romagna region. Each instrument is featured with full-page table and back photos, as well as the scroll from four angles and F-hole close-ups. Featured makers are Candi, Fiorini, Poggi, Pollastri, Sgarabotto, Capicchioni, Fracassi, Lassi and many others: a total of 70 different violin makers! The appendix shows color photos of brands, as well as a comparative table of the scrolls (in full color). Complete text in English and Italian.

934063

934064: N.N.: La Liuteria Lombarda del '900

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N.N.: La Liuteria Lombarda del '900 (Twentieth-century Lombard violin making) Soft cover, 190pp. Featuring full-page color photos of 53 Lombard instruments by the Antoniazzis, the Bisiachs, the Sgarabottos, the entourage of Romeo Antoniazzi, and other 20th-century violin makers from Milan, Cremona and Mantua. Each instrument is featured with views of the table, the back and the scroll. Each maker is characterized with a short biography. Essays are included on the Cremona International School of Violin Making, Lombard composers, the Lombard cello school, and Bissolotti/Morassi. Complete text in English and Italian.

934064

934065: Eric Blot: Stefano Scarampella

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Eric Blot: Stefano Scarampella Soft cover, 143pp. Featuring full-page color photos of 26 instruments by Giuseppe and Stefano Scarampella (Mantua, 1843-1925) as well as instruments by Gadda and others. Each instrument is shown with full-page photos of table and back, as well as three scroll views; for some instruments, the middle bout is also shown. The book includes biographical essays on Giuseppe and Stefano Scarampella, their ancestors, and Giuseppe Scarampella's Brescian context. Complete text in Italian and English.

934065

934066: P.A. Saraví: Italian Violin Making in Argentina

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P.A. Saravi: Italian Violin Making in Argentina Hardback. 138pp. Featuring color photos of thirty-two 20th-century instruments by the Rovattis, the Militellos, Mandeli, Del Lungo, Carzoglio, Capalbo, Bruni, Baldoni and others. Each instrument is featured with full page photos of the table and the back, plus close-ups of the scroll and F-hole. Each instrument is characterized, and there is a thorough biography of each maker and family of makers.The book closes with a table of measurements for all featured instruments, plus 21 short biographies of further Argentinian violin makers. Complete text in Spanish and English.

934066

934067: Dmitry Gindin: The late Cremonese makers

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Dimitry Gindin: The Late Cremonese Violin Makers Hardback in a sturdy, deluxe slipcase, 320pp. Featuring excellent color photos of 59 instruments by the Bergonzis, Storioni, the Cerutis, Gaetano Antoniazzi and others. Not only is a biography supplied for each maker, but—most important—the style of each maker is characterized at length. There is also a table of measurements.

934067

934068: Consorzio: Originali modelli e copie

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Consorzio Liutai: Originals, Models and Copies Large-format paperback, 167pp. Catalogue of the Cremona 2001 exhibition. It centered on the subject of 'copies' in violin making, i.e. reproductions, reconstructions, or true copies, as well as instruments simply inspired by classical models. The terminology is clarified in an introductory essay by Renato Meucci. The exhibit concentrates on Guarneri del Gesù's "Cannon" violin (1742, subsequently owned and played by Paganini), the faithful copy made by Vuillaume (1833) and a number of violins from the 19th and 20th centuries which either attempted to copy it faithfully or were simply inspired by the style of the "Cannon" and similar violins from Guarneri's later years. Faithful color photo reproductions of the "Cannon" itself and of Vuillaume's copy are followed by excellent color photographs of 'models' and 'copies' by English makers (Fendt, Lott, E.Withers, F.W. Chanot and the Vallers), French makers (G. Chanot, Blanchard, Miremont, Silvestre) and Italian makers (Bianchi, Praga, Rocca, Scarampella, Cesare and Oreste Candi, Barbieri, Lecchi, Castagnino). A further subject of the exhibition was centered on music as portrayed in painting, particularly in the musical still life as introduced in the 17th century by Evaristo Baschenis, on whom a concluding essay is offered. Reproductions of paintings with music as their subject round off the book. The color photographs of the 19 featured violins are excellent quality; full-page reproductions are accompanied by close-ups of the scroll and middle bout, along with a short biography of each maker and a characterization of each instrument. Complete text in English and Italian.

934068

934069: N.N.: The sound of Bologna, exposition December 2002

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N.N.: "The Sound of Bologna: from Raffaele Fiorini to the 20th century (exhibit 2002) Sturdy soft cover in a hard slipcase, 132pp. Good quality, large color photographs (table, back and scroll) of 40 Bolognese instruments of the 1800's and 1900's, by the Fiorinis, the Pollastris, the Candis, Bignami, Poggi and others. Each instrument is characterized and measurements are provided. Maker biographies round off this attractively presented, useful Bologna exhibition catalogue. Text in Italian and English.

934069

934075: Three centuries of Italian violin making - Rimini Expo.

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Three centuries of Italian violin making – Rimini-Expo Sturdy soft cover, 68pp. Catalogue of the Rimini exhibition in April 2003. It features 24 instruments as examples of the highest quality Italian violin making from three centuries, by 24 different makers ranging from Amati, Guadagnini, Montagnana and Stradivari in the 18th century, through Ceruti, Pressenda and the Roccas in the 19th century to Antoniazzi, Fagnola and Pollastri in the 20th century, to name but a few. All instruments are featured on a two-page spread with good color photos of table and back, with additional close-ups of the scroll (two views) and middle bout. Each maker is introduced with a short biography, and the book also contains a thorough table of measurements for all instruments. Text in English and Italian.

934075

934076: W.E. Hill: The violinmakers of the Guarneri Family