This beautiful violin is played by Dara Morales in the orchestra. Its a fine example by 18th century master from Mantua Tommaso Balestrieri that was played for many years in the section by Mr Lanza who bequethed it to the Orchestra upon his death.
Balestrieri is a fascinating maker who continues a Cremona tradition that started in Mantua when Pietro Guarneri arrived there in the late 17th century. Pietro brought with him brought with him a spark from the sacred fire of Cremona and passed it on in a way that is seen for generations. Balestrieri shows many aspects of Cremona workmanship and places the town’s name on his labels , though there is no evidence that he ever actually worked there.
The scroll is a particularly distinctive feature with the large eye and long final turn. The back of this violin is rather petite at 35 cm – but wows you with its one-piece, dramatic, slab cut wood.
My efforts on the instrument were varnish restoration, gluings and bridge adjustment to keep it at its best.
