Riccardo Antoniazzi (b. 1853, d.1912) was born in Cremona and moved to Milan around 1870.  He is arguably the most productive and well-known luthier of the Antoniazzi family.  Riccardo was trained under the tutelage of his father Gaetano in Cremona. In 1880, Riccardo went to Nice working with Nicolo Bianchi.  In 1881, he established himself in Milan and became a noteworthy figure in establishing the modern Milanese violin making school in which he taught a new generation of Milanese luthiers.  Antoniazzi’s models varied considerably, but his varnish was either a yellow-orange or dark red.

This exquisite violin is quintessential Antoniazzi work.  The back is one piece with medium flames descending from the treble to the bass flanks and cloaked in a sumptuous brownish orange varnish.  Noting his death in 1912, we learn from the Dario D’Attili certificate that the violin label was probably dated and the violin finished by his brother and collaborator, Romeo.  The scroll is in the shape of a carved head, perhaps an angel or cherub, nevertheless a fitting tribute to Riccardo’s last work.

This gorgeous violin has a luminous resonating timbre.  The upper registers soar and the lower registers glow with subtle and intense tonal colors.  You will be awed with the impeccable response at all dynamic levels.  You have a new freedom to easily experiment with any style of music you wish to play and be treated to a most sublime experience.  Come. play the Antoniazzi be inspired and dazzled!