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Scan 76
A dictionary of violin makers, 1896
42 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 68. See the scan on archive.org.
1the latter; but later he copied G. P. Maggini to some extent, using double purfling and ornamental devices, such as the "clover-leaf" design on his violoncellos. He is supposed to have been the first English maker of violoncellos. They are of large size, the wood being of good quality, the thicknesses correctly proportioned and the work carefully done; the varnish is dark, the tone is very good; one made in 1718, was valued at 15 guineas in 1790, but now the price is higher. He also made beautiful tenors, probably at an earlier date than the violoncellos; they are of a different pattern, being very much arched. They are generally large size, with very dark varnish and of fine tone. No violins of his remain, but he was well-known as a maker of viols. He marked his instruments with his name enclosed in a design of purfling or with the monogram "N. B." in purfling, under the wide part of the finger-board, or sometimes in the centre of the back. He entered into partnership with Nathaniel Cross about 1715; they worked at the sign of the "Bass-Viol." In a viola da gamba was found a label in the handwriting of Cross, "Nathaniel Cross wrought my back and belly"; the sides and scroll were the work of Norman. Their label was: "Barak Norman and Nathaniel Cross at the Bass-Viol in Saint Paul's Church yard, London, fecit 172—." Three bass-viols were exhibited at South Kensington Museum in 1872; in one of them, which had been converted into a violoncello, was the label: "Barak Norman, at the Bass-Viol in Saint Paul's alley, London, fecit 1690."
3Norris, John, b. 1739, London; d. March 10, 1818. A maker in London. Was a pupil of Thomas Smith, and did very similar work. Went into partnership with Robert Barnes in 1765. See "Barnes."
5Novello, Pietro Valentino, brother of Marco Antonio Novello. A maker in Venice in the 18th century.
7Novello, Marco Antonio, a brother of Pietro Valentino Novello, who worked in Venice at the same time. Their instruments show good work.
9Noversi, Cosimo. A maker in Florence in the 17th century.
11Obbo, Marco. Was working in Naples in 1712, according to a MS. label found in a violin of ordinary make: "Marcus Obbo, Napoli, 1712."
13Obici (Obue), Bartolommeo. A maker in Verona in 1684. Label: "Bortolamio Obici in Verona, 1684."
15Odani, Giuseppe Morello. Was working in Naples in 1738. In a violin fairly well made with very dark varnish was the label: "Giuseppe Morello Odani in Napoli, 1738."
17Odoardi, Giuseppe. Was working until 1675 in Ascoli, Italy, according to one authority; according to another was born about 1740. He was a peasant, and, though without any teaching in the art of violin making, showed great ability in the instruments he made. He died when 28 years old, but left about 200 violins, which are much sought after in Italy.
19Ohberg, Johann. A maker in Stockholm in 1773. His instruments were fairly good; he generally used a yellow varnish.
21Oneda, Gio. Battista, b. 1529. A maker of cithers and violins in Brescia about 1562.
23O.
25Ongaro, Ignazio. A maker in Venice in 1783.
27Orlandelli, Paolo. Was working in Codogno, Italy, in the 18th century.
29Ortega. About 1840 was a maker and repairer of instruments in Madrid.
31Ostler, Andreas. A maker in Breslau in 1730. A viola d'amore of ordinary workmanship with yellow varnish was exhibited in Paris in 1878.
33Ott, Johann. One of the earliest makers of lutes in Nuremberg; he was born there early in the 15th century, and was still living there in 1463.
35Otto, Carl August, fourth son of J. A. Otto; b. Sept. 26, 1801, Jena; d. May 11, 1883, Ludwigslust. Settled in Ludwigslust (Mecklenberg) in 1832. Was appointed maker to the Mecklenberg-Schwerin Court.
37Otto, Carl Christian, second son of J. A. Otto; b. 1792; date of death unknown. Established himself at Halle, and gave up his time to repairing old instruments.
39Otto, C. W. F. Louis, fifth son of J. A. Otto; b. 1805, Jena; d. Feb. 3, 1884, Stockholm. A maker in Stockholm.
41Otto, Georg August Gottfried, eldest son of J. A. Otto; b. 1789, Weimar;
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