Domenico Montagnana (1686-1750) was an Italian Master luthier based in Venice, Italy. He is regarded as one of the world's finest violin and cello makers of his time.
His pieces, particularly his cellos, are extremely sought after by orchestras, notable musicians or collectors, and many form parts of collections in museums. Prices for authentic pieces can reach millions of US dollars at auction.
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Biography
Montagnana was born in Lendinara, Italy in 1686. He started making stringed musical instruments (Violins, Violas, Cellos) in Venice in 1701.
During his career as a Master luthier he frequented some of the most important Italian cello makers of his time, including Pietro Guarneri and Matteo Gofriller.
His shop, already active in 1711, was located in Calle degli Stagneri, in Venice.
In 1730 he designed a special kind of violin, but he is best known for his cellos, which are considered as excellent for concertos.
He died in Venice, Italy in 1750.
Legacy
Many of his pieces are still in circulation, used by famous musicians or are part of public or private collections. Artists who play or have played on Montagnanas include Lionel Tertis, Lynn Harrell, Mischa Maisky, Truls Mørk, Alfred Wallenstein, Josef Roismann, Yo-Yo Ma, Maurice Eisenberg, Emanuel Feuermann, Daniel Saidenberg, Orlando Cole, Nathaniel Rosen, Galen Kelch and Ralph Kirshbaum.
Famous pieces
- Petunia (1733) - owned by Yo-Yo Ma
- Feuermann (1735) - Swiss collector
- Ex-Servais (1738) - owned by Nathaniel Rosen
- Mighty Venetian (1738) - owned by Nathaniel Rosen, previously owned by Adrien-Francois Servais (1807-1866)
- Sleeping Beauty (1739) - owned by Heinrich Schiff
- Baron Steinheil (1740) (unknown)
- Duchess of Cleaveland (1740) (unknown)
- Montagnana (1710) - owned by Guilhermina Suggia
An international festival with concerts where some of Montagnana's instruments are used is held every year in his native town, Lendinara.
External links
- Domenico Montagnana International Festival (Italian/English)
- Cozio
- Fox News archive story
- Soundpost
- Venice Research
- Domenico Montagnana (Italian)
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