THE DESIGN OF THE INSTRUMENT

The violin has undergone a gradual development from the 16th century from a variety of bowed string instruments (e.g. the viol). The actual date of its creation can be set somewhere between 1500 and 1550.

With the exception of a few late-18th-century modifications devised to produce a bigger volume of sound and greater projection in the concert hall, the basic form of the violin's design has not changed for several hundred years: a lengthening of the fingerboard, an angled neck, and the introduction of the chin rest were innovations which significantly expanded the possibilities for virtuoso expression on the instrument.

The instrument's overall design was perfected by a group of craftsmen working in Cremona (Italy) around 1670-1710 including names such as Nicolò Amati, Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù. Although numerous experiments have subsequently been carried out to try to enhance the tone quality of the instrument, no-one has been able to improve on the specimens produced by these great Italian masters.
 

ANTONIO STRADIVARI

Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) is probably the world's most famous violin maker. The great Italian master signed his instruments with the Latin spelling of his name 'Stradivarius', producing about 1000 violins, of which only about 600 survive today.

Stradivari began making violins at the age of 11, and also made guitars, harps, violas and cellos and lutes (he was still making instruments in his native Cremona at the age of 93). It is said that the instruments made in his last year were still among his finest. His 'Golden Period' though, in which it is recognised that he made his best instruments, was 1714-1720.

Some experts attribute Stradivari's success to  the rich amber-coloured varnish that he used to coat his instruments, the recipe for which has been lost. His most celebrated instrument is 'The Messiah' violin made in 1716, and the world record price for a Stradivarius violin currently stands at circa £3.5 million (17/02/08).

Example of Stradivarius' Label

GIUSEPPE GUARNERI 'DEL GESÙ'

More familiarly known as Joseph Guarnerius del Gesù (1698-1744) this maker based his design on that of Antonio Stradivari but included modifications of his own. He made about 250 instruments in total, of which around 150 survive today. He is referred to as 'del Gesù' because he signed all his instruments with a cross. Some fine violinists prefer the instruments of Guarnerius to those of Stradivari.

NICOLÒ AMATI

Nicolò Amati (1596-1684) produced instruments capable of yielding a powerful tone and actually taught Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri how to make violins.

Violin Sounds - on the Web since 19th July 2004