Domenico Montagnana of Venice:
A giant amongst the very best of fine Italian violin and cello makers.
This fine Italian instrument is one of very few remaining examples of the work of Domenico Montagnana (1686 - 1750). The sound is dark and full, with robust lower strings, brilliant and cutting, yet rich upper strings. It has seemingly limitless capabilities in expression and projection. The varnish is a soft transparent ruby -red with a lusterous texture (entirely original and characteristic of the maker). The instrument is in excellent condition, and the dimensions are standard. This absolute soloist's cello is in need of no improvements.
BIOGRAPHY
Domenico Montagnana was born (1686-1750) in Lendinara in the province of Rovigo, Veneto, northern Italy. Most likely, his master and teacher was Matteo Gofriller of Venice, born in 1670 – 1742. Domenico Montagnana started making stringed instruments (violins, violas, and cellos) in Venice at around 1701. During his career as a master luthier he frequented the shops of some of the most important Italian cello makers of his time, including Matteo Gofriller, Pietro Guarnerius and F. Gobetti.His shop, already active in 1711, was located in Calle degli Stagneri, in Venice.His instruments, particularly his cellos, are extremely sought after by soloists, notable musicians and collectors, and many of his instruments form collections in museums.
There are a total of 96 instruments in existence.
LEGACY
Many famous players have performed on Domenico Montagnana instruments
*Cellist Gregor Piatigorsky owned the: “1739 D. Montagnana called:
Sleeping Beauty.”
*Cellist Yo-Yo Ma owns the: “1733 D. Montagnana called: Petunia.”
*Private Party owns the: ”1740 D. Montanan called the: “Baron Steinheil.”
*Private Party owns the: “1740 D. Montagnana called the Duchess of Cleveland”
*Cellist Nathaniel Rosen: “owns the: “1738 D. Montagnana called: Ex-Servais.”
*Cellist Guilhermina Suggia owned the: “1710 D.Montagnana.”
*Private Party owns the: “1733 D.Montagnana,”
* Other famous musicians who own or have owned D. Montagnana cellos are:
*Lynn Harrell *Maurice Eisenberg *Emanuel Feuerman *Mischa Maisky
*Truls Mork *Alfred Wallenstein *Daniel Saidenberg *Orlando Cole
*Ralph Kirshbaum *<Nathaniel Rosen plays Falla Dance of terror>-Internet
*Galen Kelch
Contact:
For information on this and other fine Italian stringed instruments, contact Horst Kloss,