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2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 1 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 2 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 3 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 4 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 5 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 6 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 7 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 8 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 9 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 10 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 11 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 12 2-quartet 9-viola-c1790 13

Olivier Calmeille

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In the musical world which evolved around them, the instruments of the quartet went through time by keeping the charm of their silhouettes.

Far from "clichés",  we begin to dream to these luthiers of all Europe who shaped their violins inspired by their time, while the whistling of planes glides on wood.

Viola c.1790

Cello c.1700
Cello c.1740

Viola after P.G.Mantegazza (Milano,1793)

Even if some instruments of this Milanese maker of the end of the 18e century. are played nowadays, few details exists about Pietro Giovanni Mantegazza. The informations which I find, confirm themselves and copy between them in renowed Luthiers' Dictionaries (Vannes, Henley, Hamma). They quote gladly the quality of his instruments, in particular his violas, without we really know where from comes this reputation...

Preserved in National Music Museum (South Dakota/USA), this viola of 1793 is interesting to not have been transformed and stay one of rare example of italian instrument of this period which keeps its original neck (nailed) and its fittings (fingerboard, pegs,...). These elements give us a huge information onto the instruments in Italy at the dawn of the 19e century.

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