A fine Neapolitan violin from around 1770, made in the workshop of Nicolò Gagliano at the height of the family's influence. It was made in collaboration with his son Giuseppe and shows some influence of Carlo Bergonzi's work.
The sound is direct and is immediately reminiscent of what people call the "Italian Sound". There is a richness through the middle strings with a G string of real depth and an E that sings very freely. It responds to a light bow and rewards colour over force. This is a violin for a player who values beauty of tone and broad color range.
Certificate from J&A Beare. Documentation available to qualified buyers.
Nicolò Gagliano was the most accomplished member of the greatest violin making family of Naples. The son of Alessandro Gagliano, who founded the dynasty in the late seventeenth century, he worked in the city through the middle decades of the eighteenth century and trained a generation of makers including his sons Ferdinand and Giuseppe. Nicolò's own work is distinguished by its elegant modelling, fine golden varnish and the warm, generous tone that has kept Gagliano violins in professional use continuously since they were made. His finest examples stand comfortably alongside his contemporary Italian makers.
Viewings in London by appointment. We reply within one working day.
