Chimei Museum today announced that it would hold violin concerts themed around the Guarneri family, featuring 11 historic instruments, on March 21 in Tainan and March 22 in Taipei.
Violins made by the Guarneri family, one of the three leading families of violin makers from Italy's Cremona school, are known for their distinctive and expressive sound, the museum said in a statement.
The family was founded by Andrea Guarneri (1623-1698), who studied under Nicolo Amati (1596-1684) and developed a bolder, more expressive violin-making style based on Amati's precise techniques.
Photo courtesy of Chimei Museum
Their instruments gained fame in the 19th century after being praised by legendary violinist Niccolo Paganini, making Guarneri violins highly coveted by performers.
The Violin Masterpieces of the Guarneri Dynasty would bring together 11 historic violins, including seven made by members of the Guarneri family and four from the Brescia school, the organizer said, adding that some of the instruments would be played during the concerts, demonstrating how craftsmanship evolved and matured over generations.
Among the highlights are three masterpieces by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu (1698-1744), the family's third-generation luthier, including his final work, the prized “Ole Bull” violin, it said.
Photo courtesy of Chimei Museum
During the concerts, Chimei Museum's chief violin adviser, Chung Tai-ting (鍾岱廷), is to share stories and insights about the history of the instruments, the organizer said.
The first concert is to be held at Chimei Museum in Tainan on March 21, followed by a performance at the Eslite Performance Hall in Taipei on March 22.
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