Violin Maker
Arnaldo Morano
Italy, Turin
Born in Turin in 1911, Arnaldo Morano is regarded as one of the finest luthiers and restorers of the 20th century.His career, which spanned over seventy years, was marked by an unwavering dedication to violin making.
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Short Bio
Full Name: Arnaldo Morano
Highlights
New making style: New
Credentials
Italian craftsmanship
Restorer
Piedmontese tradition
Awards
First-prize winner at 1949 Cremona International Violin Making Competition
Locally making
Italy, Turin
Maker Background
Arnaldo Morano started working in his father’s woodworking shop at thirteen, and after developing a passion for the violin, he built his first instrument as a self-taught craftsman around the age of fifteen, driven by the need to have his own instrument.In 1929, a visit to the luthier Piero Gallinotti provided him with his first technical guidance, but it was through direct observation of classical instruments that he refined his craft.
In 1931, he built his first quartet on commission from the Royal Conservatory of Turin and, during those years, he experimented with various varnishes, eventually developing a formula based on linseed oil and natural resins.
After working in Turin for many years, he moved his workshop to Rosignano Monferrato, where he continued to craft instruments until the 2000s.
Morano distinguished himself through the exceptional quality of his creations, inspired by the models of Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, and Guadagnini.
His production was limited, as he devoted much of his time to the restoration of high-level instruments. He worked on historic violins such as the Stradivari Kreutzer owned by Uto Ughi, the Bush played by Pina Carmirelli, and the Rivaz (1707).
Despite his reserved nature, Morano received numerous awards in Italian, French, and American competitions, including a gold medal for a violin and a fourth prize for a viola at the 1949 Cremona International Violin Making Competition.
His mastery and contributions to violin making continue to make him a key figure in the world of string instruments.