The Violin Chronicles Podcast
Explore the fascinating lives of legendary violin makers like Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati on The Violin Chronicles Podcast. Discover the secrets behind their extraordinary instruments and the historical context in which they were created. Host Linda Lespets delves into the stories of these master luthiers from Cremona, Italy.
Episodes
Ep 1. The master craftsman: Gasparo Da Salo and his violins.
GASPARO DA SALO PART 1. Why is Gasparo Bertolotti considered to be the first violin maker? Join me as I explore the life and craftsmanship of Gasparo da Salò, a master luthier whose contributions shaped the course of violin making history. From his early beginnings in Brescia, Italy, we uncover the secrets behind his distinctive style and celebrated instruments.
Discover the allure of Gasparo da S
Ep 2. Gasparo Da Salo Violin maker and Luthier part 2 This guy is going places.
GASPARO DA SALO PART 2. Join me as I delve into the world of Gasparo Da Salo once again and discover what guns, Monetverdi and a war in France have to do with his business.
I speak to Violin maker and expert John Dilworth, fashion historian Emily Brayshaw about the influence clothes and style on players of Violins, Violas and cellos and finally Fillipo Fasser a contemporary violin maker in Bresci
Ep 3. Gasparo da Salo Part 3 And his new fancy pants assistant. Violins on the rise!
GASPART DA SALO PART 3. Stay with our maker as we look at the ups and downs of life and hear from Maxime Bibeau about his instrument and what it is like to share his career with a da Salo.
Maxime Bibeau double bassist in the Australian Chamber Orchestra celebrated for his exceptional talent and profound connection to the historical instrument he plays on made by the famed violin maker Gasparo Da S
Ep 4. Unveiling the Secrets of Andrea Amati and his violins: Part 1
ANDREA AMATI PART 1. The Amati family; in this Series we explore the life and legacy of Andrea Amati, the masterful craftsman behind some of the world's most revered violins. In these episodes we delve into the fascinating history of Amati's life, his revolutionary techniques, innovations, and the enduring impact of his work on the world of music.
Through interviews with experts in the field of h
Ep 5. Violin maker Andrea Amati Part 2 Amati and the Reformation, bring out the violins!
ANDREA AMATI PART 2. Explore the captivating story of Andrea Amati, the pioneering violin maker whose artistry revolutionized the world of music. Discover his iconic designs, unrivalled craftsmanship, and enduring influence on violin making. Join us on this enchanting journey through history and immerse yourself in the legacy of Andrea Amati. Subscribe now to "The Violin Chronicles" and delve into
Ep 6. Andrea Amati Part 3 The painted Violins of Charles IX
ANDREA AMATI PART 3. Artificial Dolphins, heavenly spheres and Catherine de Medici taking her tween King son on a royal tour of the land to the sounds of Amati violins, this episode has it all.
Step into the opulent world of 16th-century France as we uncover the captivating story of the court of Catherine de Medici and a set of royal violins commissioned for her son, Charles IX by the violin make
Ep 7. Andrea Amati Part 4, Don’t mention the war, sending threats on violins now are we?
ANDREA AMATI PART 4. We look at how the French Monarchs used music as a political tool and the symbols on the instruments Andrea Amati made were not just a pretty decorations but part of court intrigue and a declaration of war.
If you're captivated by the allure of Renaissance courts, the artistry of violin making, and the power of music as a symbol of prestige, the musical court of Catherine de M
Ep.8 Andrea Amati part 5 Is this the end of the violin?
ANDREA AMATI PART 5. Andreas life is coming to an end, war is raging in France and fashion is dictating how you can hold your violin! Check it all out in this new episode.
As the violin making workshop of the Amatis in Cremona was in full swing, different members of the French royal family were trying not to get murdered as Henry of Navarre soon to be King Henry IV of France married Catherine de M
Ep 9. The Amati Brothers, the extraordinary journey of two violin makers.
THE AMATI BROTHERS PART 1. The sons of Andrea , "The Amati Brothers" took violas, violins and cellos to new heights with their incredible skill and innovation. Meet Antonio and Girolamo before things get complicated in this first episode.
This is the story of the Amati brothers, Antonio, and Girolamo. Join me as we explore the remarkable craftsmanship, profound influence, and indelible mark left b
Ep 10. The Amati Brothers ”Fraternal Fallout: When Brothers Collide” The age of the Viola.
THE AMATI BROTHERS PART 2. Continue listening to the tale of the Amati brothers to help understand who made which instruments from now on.
Is the violin making center of Italy the most boring city in the world? Well, we will see what 16th century tourists think in this episode continuing the story of the master violin makers that are the Amati Brothers. Violin maker and expert Carlo Chiesa talks
Ep 11.The making of Nicolo Amati with Benjamin Hebbert
THE AMATI BROTHERS PART 3. The Amati Brothers were working and living in a time of musical innovation and discovery. Join me as I discover what influences Monteverdi, music and even fashion had on the instruments the brothers were making.
intertwines the stories of the illustrious Amati brothers, renowned violin makers, with the musical genius of Claudio Monteverdi, one of the greatest composers o
Ep 12. Nicolo Amati, The calm before the storm. Lutherie and beyond!
In which we look into the young life of Nicolo Amati.
NICOLO AMATI PART 1. I talk to Timo-Veikko Valve principal cellist in the Australian Chamber Orchestra who plays on an Amati Cello with a fascinating past.
Tracing the extraordinary life and career of Nicolo Amati, one of the most influential violin makers in history. Join us as we delve into the early years of this legendary craftsman, uncove
Ep 13. Giovanni Paolo Maggini; his life and the Brescian School of violin making.
G.P MAGGINI PART 1. This is the captivating journey through the life and craftsmanship of Gio Paolo Maggini, a renowned violin maker hailing from Brescia, Italy. Join us as we unravel the legacy of this extraordinary luthier whose instruments continue to mesmerize musicians and collectors worldwide.
Delving into the fascinating world of Gio Paolo Maggini, exploring his innovative techniques, disti
Ep 14 Maggini, the real thing... or a copy, with Florian Leonhard and Benjamin Hebbert
G.P MAGGINI PART 2. In the history of violin making Maggini is a must. I speak to two violin experts Florian Leonhard and Benjamin Hebbert about Giovannin Paolo Maggini. Maggini's Brescian style of making violins was very distinctive and an incredible amount of copies of this luthiers work has been copied in the intervening 400 years, the two violin makers I am talking to will shed light on why an
Ep 15 Nicolo Amati part 2 The violin that almost wasn’t
NICOLO AMATI PART 2. In this episode of “the Violin Chronicles”, we delve into the life of Nicolo Amati, a name synonymous with the exquisite craftsmanship of violins. Beyond his unparalleled contributions to the world of music, Nicolo Amati's life was marked by profound tragedy during the devastating 1630 bubonic plague that swept through Europe. Join us as we unravel the remarkable tale of a man
Ep 16. Nicolos grand plan or ”Grand Pattern”? The new-age violin part 3
NICOLO AMATI PART 3. Welcome to another episode of “The Violin Chronicles” podcast that delves into the lives and legacies of the world's most renowned artisans and craftsmen. In today's episode, we journey back in time to explore the extraordinary craftsmanship of Nicolo Amati, a name synonymous with the art of violin making.
In this Episode we look at a major turning point in this history of Cre
Ep 17. Nicolo Amati Part 4, master violin maker
NICOLO AMATI PART 4. Nicolo finds love, the workshop is full steam ahead and this violin maker has to find creative ways to get family members out of his house so his future bride doesn’t freak out! This is one busy luthier. Follow Nicolo Amati as his family grows and his influence as a violin maker branches throughout Italy and Europe.
In this episode you will also meet a very important family in
Free Patreon Episode, how to recognise that violin
For a quick revision of your makers with tips and clues to look out for so you too can recognise their work.
If you would like to hear more so that you too can become more confident in your knowledge of instruments and sound like a pro go to
www.patreon.com/TheViolinChronicles
Ep 18. Girolamo II Amati, the last of the Amati family of violin makers
GIROLAMO AMATI II. Girolamo II Amati was the last of the Amati family of violin makers in Cremona. He worked along side Antonio Stradivari and the Guarneri family in an intense moment of violin making and musical discovery at the time. Listen to how he fits into the story of the violin and turns out to be more that what he is (or not) remembered for.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Violin Ch
Bonus ep: Ballet, Amati Violins, and a Psychopaths Wedding.
Want to hear about the worlds most expensive ballet performance, murderous royals and Cremonese violins? Well listen on to see what happened to Andrea Amati's instruments once they arrived in the French court.
To have access to this episode sign into Patreon, just go to Patreon/theviolinchronicles.com to listen.
Ep 19 Francesco Rugeri Part I with Jason Price
FRANCESCO RUGERI PART 1. Francesco Rugeri; this Cremonese violin maker often mistaken for Giovanni Battista Rogeri, another Cremonese trained violin maker living at the same time, made many fine instruments and is especially well known for his cellos and his innovation of the instrument. Join me as I delve into the life of violin makers in Cremona after the Amati's and before the Guarneri families
Ep 20. Francesco Rugeri Part 2 with Dan Larson of Gamut Strings and Jason Price
FRANCESCO RUGERI PART 2. Come and discover in this episode why your cello is the size it is!
We continue looking at the life of Francesco Rugeri and how his career intersected with other well known masters such as Guarneri and Stradivari.
The advent of wound strings will also play a part in piecing together the puzzle of how Francesco Rugeri was able to make smaller cellos 50 years before Stradiv
Introducing THE HISTORICAL STRING RECORDINGS PODCAST , The incredible story of Kathleen Parlow part I
KATHLEEN PARLOW PART 1. Kathleen Parlow was one of the most outstanding violinists at the beginning of the 20th century.
In 1912, she was signed by the Columbia Record Company in New York, and her first records for the U.S. label were brought out alongside those of the legendary Eugene Ysaÿe.
Listen to her fascinating story and how she took the world by storm. From her devastating looks to the int
The incredible story of Kathleen Parlow Part 2
KATHLEEN PARLOW PART 2.
Kathleen Parlow was one of the most outstanding violinists at the beginning of the 20th century.
In 1912, she was signed by the Columbia Record Company in New York, and her first records for the U.S. label were brought out alongside those of the legendary Eugene Ysaÿe.
Listen to her fascinating story and how she took the world by storm. From her devastating looks to the int
Ep 21. Francesco Rugeri Part 3
FRANCESCO RUGERI PART 3. Join me as we continue to look at the life of this innovative violin maker who was literally living outside the box. His workshop has been successfully set up, he has a young family and work is pouring in. Francesco now has to take on apprentices but who could they be? Keep listening to find out.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Violin Chronicles, a podcast in which
Ep 22. Francesco Rugeri Part 4 with Duane Rosengard
FRANCESCO RUGERI PART 4. In this episode we will be looking at Francesco’s most productive period of making instruments with a busy workshop and 4 sons helping him out. Jason Price from Tarisio fine violins and bows talks to us about Rugeris distinctive making style and his prolific production at this time in his life but things do not run as smoothly as Rugeri would like as he finds himself in ho
Ep 23. The 4 sons of Francesco Rugeri Part 5
FRANCESCO RUGERI PART 5. Francesco Rugeri had 4 sons, lets take a look at who they were and their contribution to Cremona in its golden period.
In this episode we concludes the story of Francesco Ruggeri, a lesser-known but fascinating violin maker from Cremona, Italy. Discover his life, his move to different parishes, and the roles his children played in carrying on the craft.
This episode looks
Ep 24. Giovanni Battista Rogeri Part I
G.B ROGERI PART 1. Giovanni Battista Rogeri has often been confused with other makers such as the Rugeri family, because of his name, and Giovanni Paolo Maggini, because of his working style. Trained in the famous workshop of Nicolo Amati in Cremona, Rogeri set out to make a name for himself in Brescia creating a Cremonese Brescian fusion. Learn all about this often mistaken maker in this first ep
Ep 25. Giovanni Battista Rogeri Part 2
G.B ROGERI PART 2. In this second episode on Giovanni Battista Rogeri we look at his family and children. Living in Brescia also meant that Rogeri was in the heart of an Opera loving people close to Venice and an exciting time musically and instrumentally.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Violin Chronicles, a podcast in which I, Linda Lespets, will attempt to bring to life the story surroundin
Ep 26. Andrea Guarneri Part 1 The founding father
ANDREA GUARNERI PART 1. Andrea Guarneri was the first in the line of Guarneri violin makers and he is the link with the Amati family, having been apprenticed to Nicolo Amati, but as you will see this family will soon break away from the Amati tradition and start creating their own unique style.
the Guarneri family of violin makers. Take a look with me at Andrea's early life amidst war, famine, a
Ep 27. Andrea Guarneri Part 2. his 3 sons and his 3 wills.
ANDREA GUARNERI PART 2. Continue listening to the life of Andrea Guarneri, student of Nicolo Amati and father of 2 very important violin makers.
To listen to this episode I invite you to sign up to Patreon, you can do this at Patreon/thevioinchronicles.com
Ep 28. Pietro Guarneri of Mantua Part 1 The Marvelous musician.
PIETRO GUARNERI OF MANTUA PART 1. Never get your Pietro Guarneri's mixed up again! Pietro Guarneri of Mantua was Andrea Guarneri's eldest son, both a talented maker and musician, so why did he leave his home town to go work for a narcissistic socialite down the road? Find out as we take a look at this often forgotten Guarneri at the opulent and downright turbulent court of the Gonzaga's.
Pietro
Ep 29. Pietro of Mantua Part 2 And the court of intrigue!
PIETRO GUARNERI OF MANTUA PART 2. In this episode of The Violin Chronicles, the life of Pietro Guarneri, Andrea Guarneri's eldest son, continues as he and his wife Caterina move to Mantua, a culturally rich yet politically tumultuous city. This episode opens a window onto Pietro's daily life, his tasks for the imprudent Duke Ferdinando Carlo, and the socio-political environment of 17th-century Man
Ep 30. Pietro of Mantua Part 3 He had HOW many children you say?
PIETRO GUARNERI OF MANTUA PART 3. Welcome back to the complex and eventful life of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua. This episode explores Pietro's struggle of managing six children alone, the influence of Jacob Steiner on his instruments, and the familial conflicts over inheritance. We look at Pietro's work for the court of Mantua, including his decorated instruments with the fleur de lis patterns, why
Ep 31. Pietro Guarneri of Mantua part 4 When your boss is a class A loser.
PIETRO GUARNERI OF MANTUA PART 4. Here we are! The final chapter in the life of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua, a distinguished violin maker, and his experiences during a turbulent period in history. Pietro's mother-in-law joins their household in 1700. Pietro's style of violin making has evolved substantially, reflecting the broader and bolder designs of his instruments.
However, family tensions aris
Ep 32. Giuseppe Guarneri or Filius Andrea Part 1
GIUSEPPE GUARNERI PART 1. He was the father of Guarneri Del Gesu one of the most celebrated makers of today, but how did he ruin things so badly for his son? In this episode of 'The Violin Chronicles,' Linda Lespets takes listeners through the life of Giuseppe Guarneri, also known as Filius Andrea, a seminal violin maker from Cremona in the 17th century. The discussion begins with the significanc
Ep. 33 Giuseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea Part 2
GIUSEPPE GUARNERI PART 2. Hello! In this second episode we will continue to delve into the life of violin maker Giuseppe Filius Andrea Guarneri. And I am Joined by Dr. Alan Maddox from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, as we explore the musical landscape of the late 17th century, focusing on the trio sonata and its impact on violin making (because yes it does have an impact!). Come and join me a
Ep 34. Giuseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea Part 3
GIUSEPPE GUARNERI PART 3. Welcome to the violin Chronicles, in this episode we are going to explore Giuseppe’s challenges following the death of his parents, holding up against the giant working next door Antonio Stradivari, and the impact of the War of the Spanish Succession on Guarneris business and family. The city of Cremona becomes a battleground as French and Austrian troops vie for control,
Ep 35. Giuseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea Part 4
GIUSEPPE GUARNERI PART 4. And it's Del Gesu who saves the day! Hello and welcome to the violin Chronicles this is the 4th episode on the life of Filius Andrea and we will see how and why his youngest son Giuseppe or Guarneri Del Gesu as we more commonly know him as will step up to start helping his father and I will also be talking to the expert Christopher Reuning about identifying the hand of b
Ep 36. Guiseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea Part 5
GIUSEPPE GUARNERI PART 5. Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse... In this final episode on the life of Giuseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea. Join me as I delve into end of the tumultuous life of this maker who turns out to be much more important than I could have ever imagined to the Life, style, workmanship and just plain understanding of his son Guarneri Del Gesu and his violins.
Pietro Guarneri of Mantua express version
This is the life and times of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua. Join me as I explore this lesser-known Guarneri his truly beautiful instruments and his unique working conditions. This is a condensed version of the previous series on Pietro of Mantua if you would like the more elaborate tale I invite you to listen to episodes 29-31.
Cremona Violins and Varnish by Charles Reade
CREMONA VIOLIN AND VARNISH Charles Reade the dramatist and violin dealer wrote 4 letters to the Pall Mall Gazette in 1872 about Cremona violins, google says "This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it!" So listen on! I say.
To understand what these letters are about here is an intro with Benjamin Hebbert.
Ep 37. Del Gesù. Part 1, The rebel genius of Cremona
GUARNERI DEL GESU PART 1. In this episode, we dive into the mysterious and brilliant world of Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù”, one of history’s most revered violin makers. Often overshadowed by Stradivari, del Gesù was doing his own thing creating violins that have raw power, and emotional depth—qualities that still captivate players and collectors nearly three centuries later.
We’ll explore his fas
Ep 38. Del Gesù. Part 2
DEL GESU PART 2. Giuseppe gets married leaves home and a mystery ensues, what did Del Gesu do, and where did he go for those "lost years"? Find out in this second episode of the life of Giuseppe Guarneri "Del Gesu". With special guests Jonathan Marolle, Joe Bein and Christopher Reuning.
Transcript
Jonathan Marolle
I'll say that there is a paradox when talking about Guarneri del gesu because I don
Ep 39. Del Gesu Part 3: The Wilderness years
DEL GESU PART 3. In this episode we look at the mysterious years following Del Gesu's departure from his fathers workshop and his early independent work. This is a period in his life when our hero is in his prime and the instruments are all his own. The army is back in town and Giuseppe is putting new labels in his violins that today have all but disappeared, what statement is he trying to make he
Ep 40. Del Gesu Part 4. "The Master and His Cello: Exploring the Hands of Del Gesu with Julian Thompson"
DEL GESU PART 4. The Violin Chronicles: Interview with Julian Thompson on His Antique Cello
In this episode of the Violin Chronicles, we sit down with Julian Thompson, a distinguished cellist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra since 2006. Julian shares fascinating insights into the unique 1729 Giuseppe Guarneri cello he's been playing for the past eight years. We delve into the history, craftsm
Ep 41. Del Gesu Part 5; Cremona under siege, violins and drama!
DEL GESU PART 5. Lets take a look at the tumultuous 1730s in Cremona shall we? And how the following events were in some way the making of our hero. As armies clash in the War of the Polish Succession, Del Gesu returns to his father's workshop, heralding a period of profound transformation in his craft. Discover how this chaotic era influenced Del Gesu's violins, leading to a golden period of viol
EP 42. Del Gesu Part 6. How it all ended
DEL GESU PART 6. These are the final and perhaps most interesting years of Giuseppe Guarneri Del Gesu from an instrument making point of view, he is almost the last man standing in Cremona and with Stradivari and his father gone he really lets loose. Add to this the unanswered question of his wife Katarina’s role in the workshop and things just get a bit more mysterious.
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Katerina Guarneri, the first lady...
Katerina Guarneri was the wife of Giuseppe Guarneri AKA Del Gesu and what a life she had!
Come experience the whirlwind of a life she had before she was quite literally ripped from history.
To listen to the full episode please join me on Patreon at Patreon.com/theviolinchronicles.
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