Notable Sale: A violin by Giuseppe Pedrazzini

Violin by Giuseppe Pedrazzini, Milan 1916

This exquisite violin is a great example of Pedrazzini’s work at that period. The instrument is in mint condition, modeled after a G.B Guadagnini Violin, and exhibits Pedrazzini’s best attributes, being among his most valuable and sought-after examples. It is incredible how deep classical inspiration coexists with his modern personal style, notable in the edges fluting and the scroll’s impressive deep carving. His instruments are sought-after today due to their excellent tonal qualities and acoustic results. Deeply inspired by the great makers of the 17th and 18th centuries, his instruments’ sounds are closer to those of the classical period instruments than those of his modern peers. Besides that, the craftsmanship is neat, personal, and full of both strong character and refinement.

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Giuseppe Pedrazzini (1879 – 1957) Milan, Italy

Giuseppe Pedrazzini was guided by Maestro Romeo Antoniazzi and became one of the finest Italian makers of the early 20th century. His instruments were modern free interpretations of great Italian masterpieces, such as Stradivari, Guadagnini, and Amati. He made instruments with extreme consistency in quality, and from 1906, he worked as the appointed maker of Milan’s Music Conservatory and Opera House, winning several prizes in Violin-making competitions in Cremona and Rome.

Pedrazzini employed important names of the modern Milanese School through the years, including Ferdinando Garimberti, Piero Parravicini, and Natale Novelli. His instruments are sought-after today due to their excellent tonal qualities and acoustic results. Deeply inspired by the great makers of the 17th and 18th centuries, his instruments’ sounds are closer to the classical period instruments than those of his modern peers. Besides that, the craftsmanship is neat, personal, and full of both strong character and refinement.

Lombard Violin Making in the Twentieth century

Lombardy was the heart of Italian violin making revival during the 20th century, following a period of  lack of great names due to economic and political disease linked to the upheavals leading to the Italian Union in the Eighteen hundreds.

Some important makers, such as, the Antoniazzi family, were able to recover the traditions and skills of classic Italian violin making and devote themselves to the craft, establishing themselves as reliable masters who were teaching and instructing young makers as well.

Giuseppe Pedrazzini was one of the active luthiers in Lombardy during the 20th century linked to the Antoniazzi family, together with Piero Parravicini, Carlo Ravizza, Camillo Mandelli, Ferdinando Garimberti. These makers could count on a training that led them close to the history of Italian violin making, including the study of classical instruments, their models and styles and the techniques of the great masters of the past.