Domenico Montagnana – Violin Maker (1686-1750)

Domenico Montagnana (1686-1750), sometimes called “the mighty Venetian,” was actually born in the small town of Lendinara, Italy. Although his father was a shoemaker, Montagnana broke from family tradition and began making violins. It is unclear who Montagnana’s first mentor was, but by 1701, he had moved to Venice to take advantage of the city’s vibrant musical culture. He apprenticed under Matteo Goffriller and Matteo Sellas before opening his own workshop in 1712, where he consistently produced high quality instruments for over thirty years.

Montagnana’s unique style incorporates his own bold designs with influences from Matteo Goffriller’s Cremonese-inspired models and Austrian luthier Jacob Stainer. Montagnana’s distinctive cellos, which are shorter and wider than others of the time period, are particularly prized for their warmth and power.