The Violin – An Italian Treasure

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Joanne Natale Spigonardo

January 28, 2025

The Concert of Angels by Gaudenzio Ferrari – 1534

While the mandolin is probably Italy’s most famous instrument, it is the violin that put Italian music in the forefront of the world. The violin dates back to the middle ages throughout Europe and Asia. The first violin to be made in Italy was by Andre Amati in Cremona, in 1550. Amati’s violins are still in existence today. They are musical works of art. In the painting The Concert of Angels by Gaudenzio Ferrari, angels are adorning the gates of Heaven with ethereal perfection, this music was meant for a higher purpose.

Antonio Stradivari perfected the design in the late 1600s until his death in 1737. Stradivari was also from Cremona, thus Cremona is known as the violin capital globally. The Stradivarius violin is and always has been the most exceptional musical instrument. Fiorella Anelli a young violin maker in Cremona today upholds the standards set for her 500 years ago. She is one of the only female violin makers.

Fiorella Anelli- Violin Maker – Cremona

The word violin is derived from the latin word Vitula which means joy, and it is true that the violin has brought great joy through the many composers and artists that have included the violin through the ages. One of the most famous Italian violin concertos are the works of Vivaldi as depicted in the Four Seasons. Vivaldi’s masterpiece was cherished in his time, but by his death it was considered old-fashioned. Vivaldi’s music was rediscovered 100 years after is death and reached the greatest fame thereafter. Mozart and Vivaldi were not friends, but they both lived and died in Vienna.

Antonio Vivaldi – Francois La Cave – 1723

The word violino is synonymous with Niccolo Paganini. He was born in 1782 to become one of Italy’s most celebrated violists and composers. He is best known for is 24 caprices. He was known as the Devi’s Violinist because of his powerful and impactful scores. Paganini has inspired countless musical talents. He is buried in Parma, Italy.

Niccolo Paganini Portrait –
Delacroix 1832

Valentino Alessandrini is one of the most famous violists of the 21st century. He combines classical and pop music in his repertoire. He has worked closely with performers like Ed Sheeran, Il Volo, Andrea Boccella and others. While his work embraces the modern, he holds the classics close to his heart. One of his best performances is Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini.

Valentino Alessandrini – San Remo – 2023

On one of these cold winter evenings, open a bottle of your favorite wine, and play some of Vivaldi’s Quattro Stagioni. It will set a special mood. In a world of stress and action, you will find it restorative. You will be transported by the violin into a world of tranquility, grace, and joy.

About the Author

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty.  She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB.  For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Published by spigonaj

Joanne Spigonardo Business Development Consultant Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative. Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture. As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn. At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton. Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB

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