Fernando Montavoci, rare 1926 Italian violin

This full-blooded Italian violin is an outstanding instrument with exceptionally attractive tonal qualities worthy of solo performance. It was made in the mid-1920s by Fernando Montavoci in Airuno, a small town northwest of Cremona, and dates back to the later years of his life. Nearly nothing is known about the biography, training or work of this luthier who died in 1940 at the age of only 42. This lack of information is more than surprising, given the violin's magnificent musical properties and rich character. Nevertheless, the instrument clearly articulates the self-confident expertise of an artistically mature master in a manner that speaks for itself even without background knowledge of its historical details. The flat contours of the model were designed in keeping with classic Italian tradition. The delicate accentuated corners and the narrow sound holes lend the instrument a striking elegance; the confident hand which carved it also gave the carefully crafted scroll its inimitable and distinctive style. The rich coat of light-brown oil varnish on a golden-yellow background has a subtle transparency which emphasizes the dynamic lines of the wide-grained spruce top and the close deep flames of the two-piece back. Minor traces of use confirm that this fascinating violin was intensely played by previous owners. It has been preserved in crack-free condition and has an older and acoustically insignificant repair to the lower part of the back joint. The luthiers at our atelier have determined that this rare Italian instrument is in solid condition and have optimized its sound as they meticulously set it up. It is now ready to play, and it will win over demanding musicians with its large, mellow and warm sound which opens up a wealth of opportunities to perform with nuanced expression.