The Guarnerius family page posting is a challenge with Wiki names and dates not in agreement with names and dates from Heron-Allen, Racster, and other 19 century sources. Historians have been and will continue to be busy! Another example of fame and notoriety coming later to an obscure craftsman.
No matter, violins from this accomplished family have been and continue to be of interest to Violins of Plymouth and to all! Below are shown three reproductions and one darker brown original (?) Andreas Guarnerius. This 300 year old violin may alternatively be of Bohemian or Saxony provenance. Opposite is shown a VofP reproduction. The most famous Guarnerius, "del Gesu" is represented by reproductions shown by the top and lower images.
On to the family history. Andrea Guarnerius, dates 1626 (30?)-1698 (95?), is identified as a pupil of Nicolo Amati of the Cremona school.
This "Andrea Guarnerius" labeled instrument has been in my possession and care since 1980.
Andrea's sons included Pietro Giovanni, 1666-1740, called Pietro of Mantua, the eldest, Pietro of Cremona 1690-1725, and others. Historians are not clear on family details.
These talented family members were followed by the third generation (including cousins) with Pietro Guarnerius, 1696-1762, called Pietro of Venice, and (Bartolomeo) Giuseppe (Antonio) Guarnerius, 1698-1744, called del Gesu, who fabricated some of the finest violins ever! His instruments have been played and treasured by the greatest violinists, some of whom can be seen and heard playing Guiseppe Guarnerius violins on Youtube! See below (Instrument of the Devil) for Paginini's performances with the Guarnerius "Cannon"!
Joshua Bell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FTjjGOeuoY
Kristof Barati
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_8M9Ycd35k
Michail Kaznik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ciBcmwBDyk
Ruggiero Ricci
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wNcyL2JYU8
A Violins of Plymouth reproduction of a G. Guarnerius middle period instrument is shown in the following four photographs.
Reproductions of these instruments are wonderful to work on, to fit up, and to play! Here in this workshop the newly completed instruments wake up to the Bach d minor solo partitas!
