Spotlight on Baroque Masters: Instrument Maker Profiles

The Baroque period was a golden age of string instrument making. Many of the violins, violas, and cellos crafted in the 17th and 18th centuries remain unsurpassed in tone and are treasured by musicians and collectors today. In this spotlight, we profile five renowned Baroque-era instrument makers. Each of these masters has left an indelible mark on violin making, with signature styles and surviving instruments that tell the story of their craft. We’ll delve into their background, the characteristics of their instruments, and notable examples that have endured through the centuries.

Nicolo Amati (1596–1684)

Background: Nicolo Amati was the top luthier of the Amati family of Cremona, Italy – a dynasty that essentially invented the violin as we know it. Grandson of Andrea Amati (the early violin pioneer), Nicolo brought the family craft to its height. He survived the Italian plague of 1630 which claimed his father’s life, and went on to teach the next generation of makers. His workshop possibly trained or influenced greats like Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Guarneri.

Signature Style: Amati’s violins are known for their elegance and sweetness. They often have slightly smaller model sizes compared to later Cremonese instruments, with high arching of the top and back plates that produces a clear, silvery tone. Nicolo’s early instruments followed his father’s templates (sometimes called the “Amatise” style: small, deeply arched). Later, Nicolo developed what is now termed the “Grand Pattern” Amati violin – a slightly larger model (about 35.6 cm body length) introduced around the 1640s. These Grand Amati violins have fuller arching and broader dimensions, allowing for a more powerful sound while retaining Amati’s characteristic sweetness. They are considered perhaps the height of classical elegance in violin making: well-proportioned curves, exquisite purfling (the decorative border inlay), and a golden-brown varnish of soft quality.

Notable Instruments: Several Nicolo Amati violins are famed. The “Alard” 1649 is one often cited as a pinnacle of his work as it’s well-preserved and shows the Grand Pattern style. Amati’s instruments were so admired in their time that many makers across Europe copied them (some even branded their violins with fake Amati labels!). His violins are sought after today for their sweet tone well-suited to chamber music and Baroque repertoire. Interestingly, of all Amati family violins, those of Nicolo are considered most suitable for modern playing too – many have been successfully used in orchestras and as solo instruments after being fitted to modern setup.

Legacy: Nicolo Amati’s greatest legacy might be the makers he influenced. It’s often stated that without Nicolo, there would be no Stradivari or Guarneri as we know them. He was generous in imparting knowledge (even if informally). His style bridged the early Baroque small violin to a larger pattern that set the stage for the powerful instruments of the 1700s. Collectors prize Nicolo Amatis not only for their sound but for their historical importance as the link between the first violins of Andrea Amati and the later Cremonese masters.

Antonio Stradivari (1644–1737)

Background: Arguably the most famous violin maker of all time, Antonio Stradivari (also spelled Antonius Stradivarius in Latin on his labels) worked in Cremona and took violin making to its zenith. He may have apprenticed in Nicolo Amati’s workshop (there’s a debated label from 1666 suggesting he was a pupil), but even if not formally, he was clearly influenced by Amati’s work early on. By the 1680s, Stradivari began developing his own models, and from around 1700–1720 (his “Golden Period”) he produced his most magnificent instruments.

Signature Style: Stradivari’s violins are renowned for their versatile tonal power – they can project a brilliant, rich sound to the back of a concert hall, yet also whisper sweetly in soft passages. Several design choices contribute to this: Strads have slightly flatter arching than Amatis, giving a bit more brightness and power; they often have a slightly longer body stop (distance from nut to bridge) which can enhance brilliance; and Stradivari perfected the proportions of the violin’s outline and thicknesses for maximum resonance. He also used superb wood – many top Strads have backs of beautifully flamed maple and bellies of fine-grained spruce. His varnish has a luminous quality, usually a golden ground with orange-red transparent color on top, often imitated but never quite reproduced.

During his Golden Period, Stradivari made instruments like the “Messiah” (1716) which is pristine in condition and shows his work at its peak – it’s often cited as the only Strad in like-new Baroque condition (though even it has had minor setup changes). Strads from 1700–1720 have a robust sound with great clarity. He also experimented – for instance, some 1690s Strads are “Long Pattern,” slightly elongated. By 1700 he reverted to a classic outline slightly broader, which is the template for most modern violins.

Notable Instruments: There are around 600 surviving Stradivari instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, even a few guitars, lutes and mandolins. Famous violins include the “Soil” Stradivari (1714), known for its brilliant tone (once played by Itzhak Perlman), the “Kreisler” 1733, the “Il Cremonese” 1715 at the Cremona museum, and the “Lady Blunt” 1721, which fetched record prices at auction due to its fine condition. The “Messiah” 1716, kept at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, is legendary for never having been played substantially – it looks as if it just left Stradivari’s shop, offering a view of his craftsmanship without wear.

Stradivari also made the finest cellos (e.g., the “Davidov” 1712 used by Yo-Yo Ma, and the “Duport” 1711 played by Mstislav Rostropovich) and violas (the “Macdonald” 1719 viola being one of only about 10 extant Strad violas). Each is revered and often given an illustrious name and history.

Legacy: Stradivari’s legacy is monumental. His instruments set the standard of excellence; in fact, modern makers still strive to replicate the “Stradivari sound.” His interpretation of geometry and design became the conceptual model for violin-makers for the last 300 years. A testament to his fame: countless trade violins carry labels “Stradivarius” (as copies) – a point the Smithsonian Institution often clarifies: a Strad label doesn’t guarantee authenticity! Genuine Strads are among the most valued objects in the music world, often insured for millions of dollars. The mystique around what makes them so special continues to inspire scientific studies (wood density? varnish composition? arching geometry? – likely a combination of many factors). For collectors, owning a Stradivari is the ultimate prestige; for players, performing on one can be a career highlight.

Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù” (1698–1744)

Background: Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri, known as “del Gesù” (because his labels incorporated the letters I.H.S. and a cross – signifying “Jesus Savior of Men”), was a member of the Guarneri family of Cremona. His grandfather Andrea and father Giuseppe “filius Andrea” were fine makers (Andrea was an Amati pupil). But del Gesù’s work would break the mold and rival Stradivari’s for posterity, even though he died young at 46. Working in the 1720s–1740s, he was a contemporary of late Stradivari and the next generation after.

Signature Style: Guarneri del Gesù violins have a reputation for power and a darker, robust tone. They often have slightly shorter, thicker bodies with broad waists (C-bouts) and f-holes that are a bit more vertical and elongated. His later violins, especially in the 1730s, can look almost rough in workmanship compared to Strad – thicker edges, asymmetries, even tool marks left visible. It seems del Gesù prioritized acoustics and experimentation over pristine craftsmanship. This results in violins that sometimes have an intense, deep sound with strong projection. Players of “del Gesùs” often describe the sound as rich, dark, and capable of great power, sometimes a tad raw or wild in the best way. They typically respond well to a strong bow arm, suiting virtuosi who want to push the limits.

Guarneri’s output was smaller – perhaps around 150 violins survive. In his last years (1740–1744) he made some of his most celebrated instruments, which have a very distinctive style: thick, squat f-holes, a slightly pinched upper bout shape, and often one-piece backs of plain maple. These violins have character in spades.

Notable Instruments: The most famous del Gesù is “Il Cannone” (1743), the violin beloved by Niccolò Paganini. Its nickname “the Cannon” was earned for its explosive sound. It resides in Genoa, Italy, and is still played occasionally (often by the winner of the Paganini Competition). Another legendary one is the “Lord Wilton” 1742, once owned by Yehudi Menuhin – known for its deep, gutsy tone. The “Soil” Strad’s rival is the “Vieuxtemps” Guarneri del Gesù (1741), which was on loan to violinist Anne Akiko Meyers – it’s one of the most expensive violins in the world, valued in the tens of millions, noted for its superb condition and tone. Other famous examples: the “d’Egville” 1735, “Leduc” 1745 (possibly his last instrument), and the “Ole Bull” 1744.

Players like Jascha Heifetz, Isaac Stern, and Pinchas Zukerman performed on Guarneri del Gesù violins, often preferring them for their strong personality. In fact, many soloists assert that a Guarneri del Gesù can project through an orchestra even more assertively than a Stradivari. Del Gesù’s have “incomparably good sound…with unsurpassed depth and darkness” that some players prefer.

Legacy: Initially, Guarneri del Gesù’s work was not as celebrated as Stradivari’s in the years following their lives. It was really in the 19th century, particularly with Paganini’s advocacy, that del Gesù violins became legendary. Today, Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù are considered the two greatest violin makers in history, often compared like two towering figures with different personalities. If Stradivari violins are like a refined soprano voice, Guarneri del Gesù’s are like a dramatic tenor – powerful, dark, and passionate. Collectors covet del Gesùs; each instrument has a name and storied provenance. The mystique of why they sound as they do (e.g., del Gesù sometimes left his tops a bit thicker in spots, contributing to their sound density) is a subject of ongoing discussion. From a craft perspective, Guarneri del Gesù showed that looseness in craftsmanship doesn’t impede achieving acoustic perfection – a fact that intrigues modern luthiers and collectors alike.

Jacob Stainer (c.1617–1683)

Background: Moving away from Cremona, Jacob Stainer was an Austrian (Tyrolean) luthier whose instruments were the most prized in Europe before Stradivari’s violins took that title. Stainer worked in Absam, near Innsbruck, in the mid-17th century. He likely had exposure to the Amati influence (some speculate he may have traveled to Italy or at least seen Amati instruments; he may have apprenticed with Nicolo Amati or another Italian maker, though evidence is sparse). Stainer’s violins were the favorites of the baroque era in many courts and churches, especially in German-speaking regions.

Signature Style: Stainer violins are noted for their high arching and sweet tone. They often have a quite pronounced arch – both top and back – higher than Amati and much higher than Stradivari instruments. This gives them a distinctive tone: typically described as sweet, silvery, and softer in volume. Contemporary accounts in the Baroque era praised Stainer’s sound as very pleasing and brilliant in the treble, though somewhat lacking in the strong low end. Indeed, modern analysis suggests the high arching favored the upper harmonics and a resonant but intimate sound. Stainer also often made his f-holes slightly higher up on the body and with a elegant narrow shape, and his overall outline and workmanship are very refined. Visually, Stainers have a lovely varnish often of amber-orange color, and sometimes ornate scrolls (some Stainer scrolls have an elongated final turn or even a lion’s head carving on some instruments).

One unique trait: Stainer’s purfling (the inlaid border) can be set quite close to the edge, and the edgework is delicate. Internally, Stainers sometimes have smaller-sized stop lengths. These factors all contribute to the special sound. They were ideal for Baroque players using gut strings and playing in small chambers – the sound carried in a church but wasn’t strident.

Notable Instruments: Stainer’s instruments were widely distributed in their time. Many have survived (though exact counts are hard, likely dozens). They were imitated heavily; in the 18th century, if you couldn’t afford a Stainer, you might get a “Stainer model” from another maker. Famous historical figures – Leopold Mozart, for instance – preferred Stainers for their sweetness. One surviving example is a 1658 Stainer in somewhat original condition (often cited in literature). The instrument called “The Elector Stainer” of 1665 is another famous one, very well preserved in a museum. Also, several Stainer violins reside in the collection of the Saxon State (Germany) since they were favorites at German courts.

Stainer also made violas and cellos, though his violins were especially prized. Interestingly, by the 19th century, many Stainers were “updated” to modern setup, which often involved regraduating (thinning) their plates to get more power. Unfortunately, this sometimes had detrimental effects on their tonal character which was built around that high arching and thickness. A Stainer in original Baroque setup, with Baroque neck and bass bar, strung with gut, can be a revelation of the true Baroque sound world – described by some as the “voce angelica” or angelic voice, and historically referred to as having a “silvery voice” that was highly sought after.

Legacy: In the Baroque era, Stainer was considered the pinnacle. For example, an 18th-century English publication rated violins: Stainer was at the top, above Amati, and Stradivari was not fully appreciated until later. Stainer’s influence on violin making in Germany, Austria, and even England was enormous – many makers copied his high arch into the late 1700s (the so-called “Germanic” school). Over time, musical tastes shifted toward the more projecting Cremonese style, and Stainers fell out of fashion for a while in the concert scene. However, historically informed performance movement has renewed interest in Stainer’s sound for Baroque music. Collectors now understand that an original Stainer is both a beautiful instrument and a historical treasure. They represent an alternative evolution of violin design – one focused on a sweet tonal aesthetic that was the preference before power became the main goal. Some chamber musicians still use Stainer or Stainer-model violins when they want that blend and sweetness. In summary, Jacob Stainer is the exemplar of the Austro-German Baroque violin, and his instruments remind us that in 1700, Cremona did not yet have the monopoly on fame that it holds today.

Domenico Montagnana (1686–1750)

Background: Moving to Venice, Italy – Domenico Montagnana was a master luthier who, while making violins, is most celebrated for his cellos. Montagnana likely trained in Venice (possibly with Matteo Goffriller or another Venetian maker) and established his own shop “Alla Cremona” in Venice. His instruments are roughly contemporary with late Stradivari and del Gesù, but from a different school. Venetian instruments of that era have their own character.

Signature Style: Montagnana’s violins and especially cellos are characterized by a full, powerful tone with plenty of depth. His cellos tend to be slightly shorter in body length but with very wide bouts (Montagnana cellos are sometimes referred to as “wide model”). This yields a cello that is easier to play (the stop length isn’t overly long) but has a great bottom-end punch due to the broad body. Jacqueline du Pré, who played the 1712 Davidov Strad, once noted that Montagnana cellos speak more readily – “you can hit the bow hard and the sound will continue to come out and become more interesting” compared to some Strads which you have to coax. Indeed, Montagnana cellos are often described as having a rich, penetrating sound with an “uncomplicated” response – they are user-friendly for the player, yielding a big sound even under heavy bowing.

In terms of construction, Montagnana’s violins are a bit larger than Strad’s, with a robust build. His f-holes can be slightly more spread. The varnish of Venetian instruments like Montagnana’s is often a sumptuous thick red or red-brown. They tend to use local maple (which can be intensely figured or sometimes plainer). Montagnana violins are not as common as his cellos but share the strong tonal characteristics – powerful and often a bit darker or earthier tone than Cremonese.

Notable Instruments: Montagnana’s cello output includes some of the finest cellos in existence. The “Sleeping Beauty” Montagnana (1739) is famous (it got its nickname from lying unplayed for many years before being “awakened” and sold for high value). The “Du Pré Montagnana” (Rosemary) 1740 was played by Jacqueline du Pré before she acquired the Strad; it’s known for its velvety, booming sound. The “Feuermann” Montagnana 1735 is another storied cello, used by the great Emanuel Feuermann and later by Stephen Isserlis. These instruments are soloists’ dream cellos – exceptionally resonant. Montagnana violins, while less in the spotlight, are used by some violinists who want a big sound – a Montagnana violin holds the auction record for any violin by a maker other than Strad or del Gesù, selling for about $900k in 2010, underscoring their value.

Legacy: Montagnana is often considered the Stradivari of cellos. His designs (short wide cellos) have influenced modern cello makers significantly. Many soloists specifically seek out Montagnana or Goffriller cellos for their tonal qualities in concerto playing. In the violin world, Montagnana might not eclipse Strad or Guarneri, but his instruments are respected and valued at the top tier. For collectors, a Montagnana offers the allure of Venice – a different city’s take on violinmaking during the Baroque era – and in the case of cellos, arguably the best of the best. Montagnana, along with his Venetian contemporaries, adds diversity to the pantheon of great makers, proving that the Baroque period had multiple centers of excellence.

Each of these Baroque master luthiers – Amati, Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, Stainer, and Montagnana – produced instruments that reflect a unique blend of art and function. They had distinct goals and styles: from Amati’s sweet elegance to Stradivari’s all-round perfection, from Guarneri’s fiery power to Stainer’s angelic sweetness, and Montagnana’s robust sonority. For collectors, owning an example from any of these makers is owning a piece of musical history. For musicians, playing one can be a transformative experience, connecting them directly to the Baroque era’s sound world.

In the modern day, these instruments often live dual lives: revered as collectible artifacts and actively used as performance tools (in modernized form). Notably, the historically informed performance movement has also encouraged some owners to set up certain instruments in original Baroque form, to hear them as they were intended. For instance, some Amati or Stainer violins (and the Messiah Strad in the museum) remain in Baroque configuration, offering insights into Baroque setup and tone.

When we listen to a concert violinist’s Strad or a Baroque ensemble using Stainer models, we are directly experiencing the legacy of these Baroque masters. Their craftsmanship has stood the test of time – not only visually in surviving wood and varnish, but audibly in living sound that still thrills audiences. The profiles above celebrate their achievements and remind us why these names carry such weight. Each instrument by these makers has its own story (often even a name and pedigree), making the world of fine string instruments a rich tapestry of history, music, and art.