Andrea Guarneri Violin Maker (1623-1698)

Cremonese luthier Andrea Guarneri (1623-1698) holds a special place in music history as both the founder of the Guarneri lutherie dynasty and a champion of the Amati violin-making tradition. Guarneri apprenticed under Nicolò Amati in two distinct periods: 1641-1646 and 1650-1654. The two makers worked together so closely that some of their violins are indistinguishable from each other.

After 1654, Guarneri opened his own workshop, eventually teaching his sons, Giuseppe ‘filius’ Andrea and Pietro of Mantua, the craft. Guarneri produced a staggering amount of instruments in his lifetime, all of high quality; his eight surviving contralto violas are considered among the best ever created. Guarneri’s instruments show Amati’s distinct influence, generally being made on the “Grand Amati” model, but he displayed a creativity that would become the hallmark of the Guarneri dynasty.