Scan 140
Joseph Guarnerius, his work and his master [Andreas Gisalberti], 1906
12 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 92. See the scan on archive.org.
1The violin on the preceding page has the back in one piece, with bold curls running straight across; the sides or ribs are of the same wood. The front is of very open threaded pine, particularly at the outside, and it is in two parts. The varnish is of his usual light brown. The modelling has a very slight rise, and but little channelling. The tone is of great excellence.
3Andreas Gisalberti did not confine himself to the making of violins, as it has been popularly supposed his pupil did; he made violas of full size, good work covered with his fine varnish, and emitting a beautiful tone of great volume; he also made violoncellos, as was proved by one turning up which had been travelling over many countries as a solo instrument, and carrying an increasing reputation as it went for its tone qualities.
5As a matter of course—it might almost be said—the names given to it by various performers, dealers and others, who had never seen its like before, were more and more numerous and interesting as it went along; latterly a conclusion arrived at was that it was by an early Cremonese maker, a ticket, therefore, with the name was obtained and duly installed in position with the aid of some gum!
7In the City of London one day this violoncello came under my notice, and proved a great surprise, as on examination I was able to certainly announce as the author, Andreas Gisalberti of Cremona, Parma, Bozzolo and Rimini, the teacher of Joseph Guarnerius.
9Upon further examination there was no difficulty in perceiving the most likely causes for different names being assigned to it, the \( f f \) being of the Amati style—although cut in Gisalberti's manner—and these not seeming to agree with the workmanship, outline, gouging of the scroll, and materials, confusion inevitably followed.
11Why Gisalberti cut the \( f f \) in the Amati style is a matter of conjecture, and which cannot be entered upon now with any prospect of settlement or even profit. It may have been done at the desire of the patron who wished to have the instrument made somewhat to his
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.