 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Discussion Forums
 Your Instrument
 Amati violin
|
| next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Amati violin |
|
pam Member |
posted 12-23-2002 03:45 PM
  
Can anyone tell me the exact differences between the Stadivarius and Amati style of violins? |
|
GuarneriFan Member |
posted 02-01-2004 10:01 PM
They were made by different people... |
|
Nox Member |
posted 02-02-2004 06:21 PM
Don't quote me on this (because I don't have the reference in front of me), but didn't Stradivarius learn from the Amatis? If I remember correctly, then the Strad. violins are a modified (new and improved) version. Another thing I think I remember correctly - the Amati violins still in use are Baroque instruments. They use gut strings and aren't as loud as what we're used to now. But in 'those' days, music was performed in smaller ensembles and/or rooms and the sound didn't need to carry as far as it seems we prefer it to today. [This message has been edited by Nox (edited 02-02-2004).] |
|
kopanko Member |
posted 02-02-2004 08:33 PM
This site has a large amount of information related to violin history: http://www.violadabraccio.com/ The Amatis came before Stradivari. Stradivari is considered their successor, further developping the instrument and is today popularly regarded to have attained the highest degree of perfection in violin making before or since (not to bring Guarneri into it). As a note in response to another comment above, Amati and Stradivari both built baroque violins, not modern ones. These violins were later modernized as requirements changed over time, as their forum became the modern large concert halls where louder instruments with greater projection came to be desired. The neck was made longer and thinner and angled backward more which allowed greater string tension. The bridge was made higher and more rounded. The fingerboard was also lengthened to allow higher playing positions and extend the instrument's range. The original baroque soundpost was also slimmer and the bass bar thinner and shorter. These changes made the violin louder and with a tone somewhat less mellow, which projected better in large halls. |
|
Dash Member |
posted 02-05-2004 08:11 PM
This is really interesting. Where do you think Guarneri stands with his violins? I really don't know anything about Guarneri instruments other than that there's a quartet that uses all of his instruments. |
|
GuarneriFan Member |
posted 02-05-2004 08:26 PM
Guarneri Del Gesu is the most famous maker of the Guarneri generations I think. He was a violin maker, but so where the other men in his family going back to del Gesu's grandfather. I have read about him, that he went to jail for killing another violin maker in a brawl and thats about it. I'm pretty sure he died poor too. There is this awesome book "Violin Masterpieces of Guarneri del Gesu" It is an exhibition of 25 of his most famous violins. The exhibition was from the metropolitan muesum of Art. ~14 year old Guarneri string quartet fan and fan of Itzahk Perlman's Guarneri |
|
CaltechViolist Member |
posted 02-06-2004 08:45 AM
There's one fundamental difference between Stradivari and his predecessors. Stradivari top plates are not arched as high as those of earlier makers - he was one of the first makers (along with Guarneri del Gesu and others) to flatten out the top plate. If you look at an Amati violin in profile, you'll find that the top plate is arched much higher than you'd expect in modern instruments. |
|
giannaviolins Member |
posted 02-06-2004 07:03 PM
Data from the reverse graduation article by Loen of last year in the catgut acoustical journal. Andrea Amati top arches range from 15.3 to 16 mm. Nicolo Amati top arches range from 15.9 to 17 mm. Amati Bros. top arches range from 14.2 to 18 mm. Thus the range for "Amati" violins in this database are from 14.2 to 18 mm. The typical seems about 15.5 mm. A. Stradivari top arching ranges from 14 to 17 mm. Again, cetnered around 15.5 mm. Thus I would have to disagree about the height of the top arching at least. You will find differences in channel and so on. Also, the edge work is different, especially the corners. I suspect the arching shape is what gives the illusion of higher arching because it rises perhaps more quickly from a broader channel. At least based on memory. I haven't copied an Amati, so the details are drilled into my head. I notice that viewers of real Stradivari violins sometimes comment on the height of the arching as greater than they expected. I believe the notion that the arching is lower on Stradivaris comes from a fairly narrow channel and the resulting visually less steep rise to the crest. I highly recommend looking for current data rather than relying on rumor and what others have said about these instruments. Incidently, a good place to make a direct comparison is in the Smithsonian in Washington. Several Stradivari and Amati violins are on display in the same room. Also some Stainer instruments, which are quite subtle and beautiful (unlike the crude factory copies). Steve Perry |
|
atomic Member |
posted 02-06-2004 07:04 PM
In general, Guarneris are regarded as having a darker, richer tone (a fuller sound spectrum) than the Strads, which sound brighter in comparison. Many players, including classical and many trad players, prefer the Guaneri, though others share the view that the Strad stands out better from the rest of the orchestra during a concerto. It's a matter of personal taste (though one top maker told me that inevitably fiddlers gravitate toward Guarneri copies because of the darker, fuller tone. |
|
giannaviolins Member |
posted 02-07-2004 09:28 AM
I find most players like a full tone, but that the Stradivari copies sell better than the Guarneri models in our trade violins. The Guarneri ones we carry are more focused and intense. I am surprised by my own preferences. I have two of my violins here at the moment. I find I prefer the smaller bodied model over the Stradivari. It has a tight, focused, woody sound. Not as big, but somehow appealing to me. I played two violins at a friend's shop and actually liked a very small Camilli model very much. Intellectually, I can find reasons to prefer the larger models, but something appeals to me in the small boxes. |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
