Moses Sedler

Giuseppe Castagnino was an Italian luthier recognized for his distinctive craftsmanship and significant contributions to the Genoese school of violin making in the early to mid-20th century. Born in Chiavari in 1883, he was introduced to woodworking through his father, a carpenter and cooper who also crafted musical instruments as a hobby. This early exposure …

Giuseppe Castagnino (1883–1966): A Master of the Genoa Violin Making Tradition Read More »

Leandro Bisiach was a distinguished Italian luthier who played a key role in the revival of Italian violin making in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on June 16, 1864, in Casale Monferrato, Italy, he initially trained as a violinist before turning to instrument making. His first violin, crafted independently, received great praise, …

Leandro Bisiach (1864–1945): Master Luthier and Leader of the Milanese Violin Revival Read More »

Giuseppe Fiorini was an Italian luthier renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and pivotal role in reviving Italian violin making. Born in Bazzano, Emilia-Romagna, he trained under his father, Raffaele Fiorini, and crafted his first violin at 16. Establishing his workshop in Bologna in 1877, he gained international recognition, earning top awards at exhibitions. In 1888, …

Giuseppe Fiorini (1861–1934): Master Luthier and Guardian of Stradivari’s Legacy Read More »

Riccardo Antoniazzi was a distinguished Italian luthier who played a pivotal role in the transition of violin making from Cremona to Milan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on December 19, 1853, in Cremona, he was the eldest son of Gaetano Antoniazzi, a respected violin maker trained under Enrico Ceruti. Growing up …

Riccardo Antoniazzi (1853–1912): A Founding Figure of Modern Milanese Violin Making Read More »

Erminio Farina (1885–1917) was a distinguished Italian luthier associated with the Milanese school of violin making in the early 20th century. He developed his craft under the guidance of Riccardo Antoniazzi while working for the firm of Monzino and Sons in Milan. His skill and dedication led him to become Antoniazzi’s close assistant, particularly as …

Erminio Farina (1885–1917): A Milanese Master Violin Maker Read More »

Mario Capicchioni was an Italian luthier known for continuing the violin-making tradition established by his father, Marino Capicchioni. Born in 1926 in San Marino, he grew up surrounded by the craft and began working alongside his father in their Rimini workshop in the 1940s. Under Marino’s guidance, he developed a deep understanding of the art, …

Mario Capicchioni Violin Maker (1926–2022) Read More »

Pietro Sgarabotto (1903–1990) was an esteemed Italian luthier known for his contributions to the 20th-century violin-making tradition. Born in Parma, he was the son of Gaetano Sgarabotto, another highly respected violin maker. Pietro carried forward his father’s craftsmanship while developing his own refined style, influenced by both classical Cremonese techniques and modern innovations. Throughout his …

Pietro Sgarabotto Violin Maker (1903–1990) Read More »