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Scan 165
The Hawley Collection of violins, 1904
20 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 91. See the scan on archive.org.
1ANALYSIS OF WORK OF THE FOLLOWERS OF GREAT MASTERS
3seem to be that Joseph Guarneri got his idea of outline and model. He broadened and raised his edges and carried his sides well out. His scroll is of good size and often more interesting than beautiful. Giovanni used a golden yellow varnish as a rule, though occasionally his instruments are found in the brownish red shade. The tone of his violins is of charming quality, great power, combined with extreme brilliancy. When we come to a study of his wood, we find yet another link connecting him to Joseph Guarneri. For here we find the same peculiar virility of the bellies, and the same small figured, almost plain maple sometimes employed by the great Joseph in his backs. To this, together with the peculiarity of modeling, is due the effectiveness of the tone of Giovanni Grancino's violins and violoncellos. They rank, in practical musical value, among the very best of Italian instruments of the second class.
5Carlo Francesco Landolfi, 1730-1770
7This well known maker lived and labored in Milan from about 1730 to 1770. His work varies, some of it being of a very high order, both as regards workmanship and material, while in other specimens there is a marked falling off, due no doubt to the varying prices he received. His violins are of two types in point of model, the flat and the rounded, and his 'cellos are both small and very large in size. His varnish varies from a brownish yellow shade to a deep reddish brown color. Landolfi's 'cellos are famous, ranking very high in the regard of public performers. The tone of his instruments is usually of a soft rich quality having great sonority. A splendid, perfectly preserved 'cello by this maker is in the possession of Mr. Albert H. Pitkin, which formerly belonged to Mr. Hawley. It is of large size and noble tone. An excellent violin is owned by Mr. Graham, of St. Louis.
9Carlo Giuseppe Testore, 1680-1715
11Carlo Testore wa the founder of a family of violin-makers which for a long time occupied a prominent position in Milan. The Testores were industrious, and turned out many violins, tenors, and 'cellos. Their instruments vary widely in merit, some because of their fine varnish and workmanship fetching high prices, while others more ordinary may yet be had for a sum which, considering their tonal quality, is comparatively low. Carlo Giuseppe flourished from 1680 to 1715. He executed many orders for notable personages. His arching is quite flat and his wood tough, often plain, though always of a very fine acoustical quality. His varnish is of excellent quality and usually of a rich golden color. He employed various models, predominating in Stradivari and Amati copies. The quality of his tone is rich and mellow.
13Carlo Antonio Testore, 1715-1745
15This able craftsman worked from about 1715 to 1745, during the best period of the art in Italy. He was a skillful workman. His wood is much like his father's, but his varnish is darker. He was a prolific maker, and there are numerous good specimens of his work in this country that attest his skill and industry. His violoncellos are highly prized for their sonorous, warm tone. Paolo Antonio Testore, his son, worked in Milan from about 1720 to 1765.
17Pietro and Giovanni Montagazza
19The brothers Montagazza, of Milan, enjoyed a wide reputation as repairers, and in addition produced many violins and violas during the latter half of the eighteenth
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