Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 247
Scan 247
the history of the violin, 1864
4 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 225. See the scan on archive.org.
1instruments were made from about 1700 to 1725, and then approached nearest to perfection. The wood united beauty with great capability for conducting sound, and his model was designed with taste and skill that have never been exceeded. The thickness was greatest towards the centre, in order more fully to support the pressure of the bridge under the tension of the strings, and gradually decreased towards the sides, to give all the necessary vibration. The S S holes were formed with great taste, and the scroll finely carved; the varnish of a beautiful warm reddish or yellowish colour, of which the secret appears to be lost. The lower plate, sides, and neck, were made of beautifully figured maple, the corners not too salient, and the purfling well inlaid. The four strings are generally of equal beauty of tone which cannot be surpassed. The details of the interior of the instrument are equally attended to with those of the exterior, all being the result of study and scientific calculation, and in harmonious proportion.
3After 1725 his instruments are said to have rather fallen off in workmanship, he was now an aged man; the arching became a little more raised, and the varnish of a browner hue, the tone also less brilliant. Probably he worked less himself, but gave directions to his assistants, among whom were his sons Homobono and Francesco, who were inferior to him, and Charles Bergonzo is also said to have worked with him. Several unfinished instruments were left at the time of his death which were completed by his sons, who placed his ticket in them, thus causing some doubt as to the entire authenticity of the instruments towards the close of his life. He died at Cremona in December 1737, having attained the great age of ninety-three. He had three sons and one daughter, Catherine, who died at the age of seventy,
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