Violin by Piero Parravicini, Milan, c. 1925
This violin has now sold.
About Piero Parravicini
Piero Parravicini was born in Bovisio, just outside Milan, in 1889. He then moved to Milan to study with Romeo Antoniazzi and later worked in the Monzino workshop for one year in 1924 before setting up on his own. He had a successful career in his own right and was awarded medals in Rome in 1925 and 1929, Cremona in 1949 and Rome again in 1954.
Parravicini is in some ways typical of the Modern Italian school in that his instruments are unantiqued. His work demonstrates the influence of the Antoniazzi family, particularly in his use of Classical Italian models with a rich orange varnish.
Parravicini died in 1957, having made around 600 violins as well as 10 violas, 12 cellos and 3 double basses. A prolific and very fine maker whose instruments deserve greater attention!
About the violin
This violin a very fine example of Parravicini´s work, made around 1925. It was made as a tribute to his teacher, Romeo Antoniazzi: we know this as it bears a `presso Leandro Bisiach´ label. This label was used by Antoniazzi to indicate instruments he made in the Bisiach workshop whilst employed there.
The violin has a one piece back of semi slab-cut maple with quite narrow flame. The ribs are of a similar wood and the head is of slightly less figured maple. The front is two pieces of narrow-grained spruce which widens towards the flanks. The varnish is a rich orange-brown colour, laid over a lighter ground.
The violin has a length of back of 357 mm.
How does it sound?
In my opinion, this violin represents the ideal in terms of Modern Italian making: whilst it has all of the power and volume associated with the school, there is also a good deal of warmth and complexity to the sound. Although is speaks easily and is easy to play, the violin is a willing partner for someone who wants to get right into the string as it gives as good as it gets!
Condition
The violin is in superb condition.
Certification
The violin comes with a Dmitry Gindin certificate from 2021.