19-Sgarbi

 

Description: this violin is a fine old Italian instrument, the work of Giuseppe Sgarbi of Rome. It dates from c.1885. It is a good and characteristic example of the maker’s work.

Measurements: 35.9cm full in length of body, with widths of 16.6cm full and 20.8cm.

Violin maker: Sgarbi, Giuseppe. Born 1818, died 1905 Rome Italy. Known as ‘Jarino’. Active in Finale Emilia 1841-1890. Moved to Modena and finally to Rome. Broad and rather flat modelling. Personal models with low arch. Rather careless workmanship and design but generally well-regarded. Broad purfling set close to the edge. Soundholes with exaggerated ovality across the lower circles. Good transparent red-brown varnish with polished finish. Often very plain materials. Sgarbi Giuseppe / di Finale-Emilia / Fece l’anno 1882. [John Dilworth]

 

I am very grateful to the Harrison-Frank Family Foundation for having the Giuseppe Sgarbi violin on loan. It is a real pleasure playing this beautiful violin which projects a very colourful tone especially on the lower register whilst still being very well balanced. After only a few months this violin has allowed me to develop new aspects of my playing and I feel there is still a lot to be discovered.

Christopher Cohen, January 2018