This violin represents the second instrument in our Guadagnini inspired quintet, a project inspired by a deep curiosity to explore the extraordinary career of this prolific maker. For this second stop on our journey, we have arrived in Milan.

Giovanni Battista Guadagnini led a remarkable life, with a career spanning nearly 50 years as he moved through Piacenza, Milan, Cremona, Parma, and ultimately Turin. Indeed, each city influenced his work, resulting in distinctive styles that reflect his innovative character.

By the time Guadagnini arrived in Milan in 1749, the city had already been home to many renowned violin makers, including the Grancino family and later the Testores. However, the violin-making tradition in Milan had notably declined by then. Ferdinando Landolfi was the only maker still producing high-quality instruments when Guadagnini arrived.

During the Milanese period, Guadagnini's style was characterized by a broader model, a better selection of wood, and a more intense varnish color. Additionally, the ff-holes became more angled, and the holes larger and oval in shape while remaining unfluted.

With this violin, we have sought to capture the distinctive style of Guadagnini's Milan period while maintaining cohesion with the other instruments in the quintet. The maple wood used is cut from the same slab, and the varnish tone harmonizes with its siblings. As a result, the sound is direct and powerful, blending beautifully with the other instruments in the quintet.