Page 5 - Info magazine Strings Class nr 1 january 2021

Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu were master violin makers in about the same period in
Cremona, Italy. The two are revered as the finest violin ma-
kers in history, and their instruments are highly prized even
today. However, the tonal qualities of their instruments are
quite different.
Antonio Stradivari was born around 1644 and lived to a little
past the age of 90, and he is said to have continued making
violins until his final days. He created an estimated 1,100 in-
struments over the course of his life. Of these, roughly 600
violins, violas, cellos, mandolins, and guitars survive today.
This is an incredible number of instruments for one person to
make. Stradivari's instruments are known for the attention to
detail in every aspect and their splendidly lustrous tone.
In contrast, Guarneri del Gesu lived from 1698 to 1744 and
led a boisterous life. He drank a lot and is said to have spent
some time in jail. It is estimated that he made about 300 vi-
olins, of which about 140 survive today. His violins are rough
and wild, and have a deep, powerful tone.
Stradivari (left) and
Guarneri (right)

What is the difference between Baroque and modern violins?

The violin was born essentially in its final form. Thus, there have been very few improvements
made since.One improvement was made in the nineteenth century as a result of changes in mu-
sical fashions.
The fingerboard, for instance, was lengthened to reach the middle of the body. This was done to
allow the players to play more of the high end of the E string. To increase the volume and bright-
ness of the tone, the bridge was raised, along with the position of the fingerboard, to increase
string tension.Older instruments to which these improvements have been made and new instru-
ments modeled on these instruments are referred to as modern violins, while older violins that
have kept their original form are referred to as baroque violins. Today, almost all Stradivari and
Guarneri violins have been modified into modern violins.