Violin by Cesare Maggiali, Tuscany, 1952
About Cesare Maggiali
Cesare Maggiali was a Tuscan violin maker who was born in the village of Carrara in 1886. Although officially an amateur maker as he was employed as a school teacher throughout his life, Maggiali made over 160 instruments, more than many professional luthiers! He received support and instruction in his making from Igino Sderci, a Florentine maker who trained under Leandro Bisiach. Maggiali´s dedication to his craft was rewarded by success at the Rome competition in 1954, where he was awarded a gold medal.
About the violin
The violin was made in 1952. It is modelled after the instruments of Stradivari, one of the two models that Maggiali preferred to use. The violin has a one piece back of maple with a slanting medium figuration. The front is of two pieces of even-grained spruce and the varnish is rich amber in colour, laid over a golden ground. The violin retains its original label and has a length of back of 356mm.
How does it sound?
This violin is big, bright and powerful. Whilst being flexible enough to blend into a section or chamber group, this violin has an extra gear! It would suit a player whose sound needs to rise over the orchestra, whether as leader or soloist. Maggiali was also a violinist himself: it is clear from the painstakingly careful way in which this instrument is made that he was determined to make violins which sounded as good as he possibly could.
Condition
The condition is excellent with only one repaired crack on the lower treble side of the back. With such excellent condition and at an affordable price for a Modern Italian maker, this violin would make a great investment for a player looking for an instrument which will continue to appreciate in value.
Further information
Please get in touch for more details about this fine Modern Italian violin by Maggiali for sale and a member of our team will get back to you.