The Violin

Behind the violin’s familiar outline lies a history of experiments, materials and individual makers. George Hart follows that history through early bowed instruments, the construction of the violin and the workshops of Italy. His account considers the choice of wood, the placement of the bridge and sound-post, the qualities of strings and the appearance and effect of Italian varnish. Wood engravings drawn from photographs accompany the discussion of instruments by Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati and others.

Hart describes Vuillaume’s rise through skill and perseverance, his interest in Cremonese instruments and his purchase of Tarisio’s collection. Hart also examines Jacob Stainer’s influence on German makers and the competing appeal of Italian models. References to manuscripts held in Cremona show how documentary research informs the maker histories. Readers interested in music, craftsmanship or the identification of old instruments can follow the links between a maker’s methods and the violin’s visible form.