Celeste Farotti (1864–1928) was a master luthier whose work epitomizes the finest traditions of the Milanese school of violin making. Renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and artistry, Farotti’s instruments are celebrated for their tonal richness and striking aesthetic qualities. At Claire Givens Violins, we are privileged to offer a Celeste Farotti violin crafted in 1906, a remarkable example of his genius and a testament to his legacy in Italian luthiery.

Maker: Celeste Farotti

Defining Characteristics of Farotti’s Violins

Farotti’s violins are immediately recognizable for their distinctive features and unparalleled tonal qualities. His instruments reflect a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic aspects of violin making.

Craftsmanship Details

• Modeling: Farotti often based his violins on Stradivari and Guarneri templates, incorporating his own stylistic flourishes, such as slightly elongated corners and refined edges.
• Tonewoods: He selected the finest spruce and maple, ensuring each piece of wood was aged and prepared to maximize resonance.
• Varnish: Farotti’s golden-brown varnish, applied in thin layers, gives his violins a radiant, almost glowing quality. The texture and transparency of the varnish enhance both the instrument’s beauty and its tonal response.

Tonal Qualities

• Powerful Projection: Farotti’s violins are known for their bold, projecting sound, making them ideal for solo performances.
• Warmth and Depth: The lower registers are rich and resonant, while the upper range remains sweet and clear.
• Balance and Responsiveness: These instruments offer exceptional balance across all four strings, responding effortlessly to the nuances of a musician’s technique.

Celeste Farotti’s Legacy in Violin Making

Farotti’s work embodies the pinnacle of Milanese craftsmanship, blending the elegance of Cremonese traditions with the innovation of his time. His instruments were highly sought after during his lifetime and continue to be prized by musicians and collectors worldwide.

Recognition and Influence

Farotti’s contributions to violin making were widely recognized in his era, earning him numerous accolades at international exhibitions. His dedication to quality and artistry influenced a generation of Milanese luthiers, solidifying his place in the pantheon of Italian violin makers.

Modern Appreciation

Today, Farotti’s violins are regarded as masterpieces, treasured for their tonal brilliance and visual appeal. Their rarity and historical significance make them a coveted choice for discerning musicians and collectors.

A Rare Opportunity to Own a Celeste Farotti Violin

The Celeste Farotti violin available at Claire Givens Violins, crafted in 1906 and modeled after the work of Lorenzo Storioni as stated on its original label, represents the height of his artistic and technical achievements. From its exquisite varnish to its powerful and balanced tone, this instrument is a true masterpiece of Italian violin making.

For more details about this exceptional violin, Celeste Farotti, Milan 1906 

 

Violin label for our Celeste Farotti violin 

Conclusion

Celeste Farotti’s violins are a celebration of the artistry and innovation that define Italian luthiery. Owning a Farotti instrument is not only a connection to the rich history of violin making but also an invitation to experience the unparalleled beauty and sound of his craftsmanship. At Claire Givens Violins, we invite you to explore this extraordinary violin and discover the legacy of one of Milan’s greatest masters.

Stefano Scarampella: The Maker’s Hand in Every Detail

 

Among the celebrated Italian violin makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Stefano Scarampella stands apart – not simply for the unmistakable character of his instruments, but for the honesty and individuality of his work. Born in 1843 in Brescia and active until his death in 1925, Scarampella belonged to the rare class of makers whose instruments carry a tactile sense of their creator. They are unpretentious, deeply musical, and built with an instinctive craftsmanship that invites both admiration and use.

 

Stefano Scarampella in his workshop

From Brescian Roots to Mantuan Mastery

Stefano Scarampella was the brother of violin maker Giuseppe Scarampella who was more academically trained and worked in Florence. But unlike Giuseppe – whose work followed stricter classical ideals – Stefano took a more organic and intuitive approach. His early training with his brother Giuseppe was likely informal and supplemented by his own observations of the Cremonese and Brescian traditions, though he often worked on Guarneri models, and at times followed Stradivari and Balestrieri.

In the 1880s, Scarampella settled in Mantua, where he remained for the rest of his life. There he came to occupy a position of local renown, working quietly and steadily, and ultimately building a body of work that today places him among the most important Italian luthiers of his time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view of Mantua and its surroundings, 18^th century

The Stefano Scarampella violin being offered by Givens Violins represents his rare early work, c.1890.  The wood choice of this violin is of Italian maple and spruce that is irregular but acoustically successful, traits that Stefano Scarampella was known for.

A Distinct Hand: Style and Construction

What makes a Scarampella violin instantly recognizable is not perfection but personality. His instruments often exhibit rough-hewn, spontaneous workmanship. but these traits should never be mistaken for carelessness. On the contrary, they reflect a maker who was fully engaged in his work, prioritizing acoustical integrity and musical function over ornamental precision.

Many Scarampella examples used Italian maple and broad-grained spruce, often with wild or irregular figure, and tops of spruce that were acoustically responsive rather than cosmetically flawless. His scrolls, particularly in later years, are bold and expressive – sometimes almost primitive in their carving, yet full of life. He generally modeled his instruments after the works of Guarneri/Stradivari/Balestrieri, although with his own stylistic adaptations.

The varnish varies considerably over his career, ranging from deep red-browns to golden oranges, often laid over a lighter ground and applied with spontaneity rather than uniformity. Craquelure is common and frequently original to the instrument, adding to the patina that collectors and players find so compelling.

Two of Stefano Scarampella’s labels

Aural Qualities: The Voice of a Scarampella

Scarampella’s violins are known for their rich, dark, and powerful tone. They tend to be quick to respond, with a robust lower register and a pleasing warmth throughout. While perhaps less refined in texture than some of the more polished instruments of his contemporaries, Scarampella violins offer a directness and strength that make them particularly suited to solo performance.

Musicians often describe his instruments as forgiving yet bold, with an assertive character that carries well in both chamber and orchestral settings. The tonal depth, combined with the immediacy of response, is part of what continues to make Scarampella instruments so desirable today.

Legacy and Influence

Scarampella’s work had lasting influence. His only known apprentice, Gaetano Gadda, continued the Mantuan tradition into the mid-20th century. Instruments by Gadda that were made under Scarampella’s supervision – or bear his stylistic imprint – are sometimes misattributed, adding complexity (and confusion) to the Scarampella market.

Scarampella’s relatively limited output, combined with the robust tonal quality of his violins, has made them a favorite among soloists and collectors alike. Today, a fine example commands six-figure prices at auction, and demand continues to grow among those who seek instruments of great character and honest craftsmanship.

 

Gaetano Gadda

On Attribution and Authenticity

At Givens Violins, we evaluate instruments like those of Scarampella through the lens of deep historical knowledge, acoustic testing, and comparative study. We believe that understanding the maker’s intent, methods, and materials is the foundation for correct attribution and long-term stewardship. Certified by Kenneth Warren & Son and Dario D’Attili.

A Maker for Musicians

Stefano Scarampella’s violins are not for the glass case. They were made to be played – and played hard. His instruments remind us that the soul of the violin lies not only in its geometry or its varnish, but in the energy and intuition of its maker. Scarampella put himself into every instrument, and the result is work that is both deeply human and powerfully resonant.

 

We have a beautiful violin for sale by this maker:  Stefano Scarampella, Mantova c.1890 w/ Kenneth Warren & Sons cert.