Violin by Giuseppe Pedrazzini, Milan, 1928

View this instrument at Stringers of Edinburgh

Giuseppe Pedrazzini (1879-1957) was born in the village of Pizzeghettone near Cremona. Around 1903 he moved to Milan where he was a pupil of Romeo and Riccardo Antoniazzi, by whom he was much influenced.

Pedrazzini went on to produce some of the finest instruments in early 20th-century Italy, both in craftsmanship and tone quality. He was appointed luthier to the conservatoire and Opera House in Milan and was awarded several medals and prizes, notably in Rome 1920 and in Cremona 1937.

His work, often based on idiosyncratic and stylish interpretations of Amati and Stradivari, is exceptionally refined and precise, with deeply carved scrolls and curves of the bouts showing an attractive symmetry. Pedrazzini used excellent materials and an orange to red-brown varnish of clarity and good texture. He was assisted at various times by Garimberti, Parravicini, and Novelli.

This violin is typical of Pedazzini’s best work, displaying varnish with a characterful crackled quality. Its tone is virtuosic and warm.

This instrument is for sale at Stringers of Edinburgh for £85,000