About this instrument
The instrument was made by Francesco Maurizi in Appignano around 1850 and is a fine example of the distinctive regional tradition of nineteenth-century Italian violin making in the Marche.
Francesco Maurizi was born near Ascoli Piceno in 1816 and worked as a violin maker in Appignano del Tronto from around 1840. His instruments do not follow any strict academic school, but instead reveal a highly personal and independent hand.
This is particularly evident in the present violin.
Especially striking is the two-piece back of tangentially cut maple, known as slab-cut maple. The wood has broad, lively and partly irregular figure, lending the instrument a character entirely its own.
The warm golden- to dark-brown varnish has also developed a very attractive natural patina over many decades. Together with the bold modelling, distinctive f-holes and characterful scroll, it creates an instrument that clearly bears witness to its history of almost two hundred years.
The violin has been fully and professionally restored and is now once again in very good condition and completely ready to play.
Tonally, it is particularly interesting.
The instrument has a large, powerful and highly present tone, combined with exceptionally easy response.
The sound develops very quickly and with relatively little bow weight. As a result, one immediately feels that the instrument responds willingly to the player and does not first have to be forced into sound.
I also find the articulation very appealing. Individual notes remain clearly defined, fast passages respond cleanly, and even under greater bow pressure the violin retains its openness and tonal substance.
For me, this is therefore more than simply an interesting historic Italian violin.
Above all, it is an instrument for a musician seeking power, direct response, good projection and clear articulation, while also wishing to play something that bears a highly individual maker’s hand.
A rare and exceptionally characterful work by Francesco Maurizi of Appignano, made around 1850.