1759 Guadagnini Violin

Key Information

Maker:	Giovanni Battista Guadagnini
Origin:	Parma, Italy
Made:	1759
Current Player:	Liisa Pallandi
Sound Notes:	Rich, dark and strong
Owner:	The ACO
Date Acquired:	2022

ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT

Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Chocolate Monster’ by the ACO’s Principal Violin Helena Rathbone, this instrument produces a rich and delicious sound not unlike its nickname.

Cited as an excellent example of Guadagnini’s work, from his latter years in Parma, Italy, this instrument was played by ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti until 2006, when Principal Violin Helena Rathbone became the instrument’s custodian. Since 2022, the instrument has been played by ACO Violin Liisa Pallandi.

The back of the instrument is made from a single piece of maple with an irregular broad curl, as are the ribs, and the scroll made from a maple with less flame. The varnish is a rich reddish-brown colour on a gold ground.

ABOUT THE MAKER

Born around 1710, Guadagnini stands out as the last of the great Italian violin makers of the 18th century. Guadagnini’s career was as varied as his style of craft, moving as he did through Piacenza, Milan, Cremona, Parma and finally Turin. He inherited the traditions of the Cremonese school through his father Lorenzo, but studies of his instruments show deliberate signs of continual evolution and progress. The sound of his instruments today attest that Guadagnini was indeed one of the great masters.