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Violin by Primo Contavalli, Imola 1950
Price
€35,000 EUR
All violins come with a certificate of authenticity
Full description
This striking violin, made by Primo Contavalli in Imola during the 1950s, is a compelling example of his personal and modernist approach to violin making. Loosely inspired by the style of Guarneri ‘Del Gesù’, the model carries strong personality and expressiveness, yet diverges into a bolder, more architectural aesthetic.
The instrument features a two-piece maple back with a gentle, well-matched flame and a top carved from Italian spruce of fine and consistent grain. Its visual character is shaped by elongated, angular corners and a crisp outline, all highlighted by a clear, transparent varnish that enhances the precision of Contavalli’s craftsmanship.
One of the most distinctive features of this violin lies in its ornamental purfling—finely inlaid lines beneath the tailpiece and fingerboard, and decorative rings around the pegs at the scroll. These are elegant, almost graphic accents that speak to Contavalli’s modern sensibility and artistic confidence.
This violin blends a strong tonal voice with a unique visual identity, standing as both a reliable performance instrument and a captivating artistic statement for musicians and collectors seeking individuality with Italian roots.
dimensions
Back Length
357 mm
Upper Bout
165 mm
Center Bout
112 mm
Lower Bout
203 mm
String Length
326 mm
sound characteristics
Bright, Sweet and Round
Audio
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Made by
Primo Contavalli
Primo Contavalli was an Italian luthier based in Imola, who gained recognition early in his career for his meticulous craftsmanship, making instruments admired for their rich and resonant sound.
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Viola bow by Morizot ‘Frère’, France 1950
By Louis Morizot ‘Frères’ |
This viola bow by Louis Morizot Frères, made in Mirecourt around 1950, is a refined example of mid-20th-century French bowmaking. Crafted from an octagonal Pernambuco stick of warm red-brown color and mounted in silver, it features a traditional ebony frog with a Parisian eye and the characteristic channelled rail fitting typical of the Morizot workshop. Elegant in design and well-balanced, the bow offers a fast, precise, and responsive playing experience, combining delicacy with sufficient strength to navigate a wide range of repertoire. Its tonal palette is rich and nuanced, embodying the clarity, flexibility, and refined color associated with the French tradition.
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