A rare example of a violin by the noted Venetian maker of cellos, it has a two-piece back of irregular figure
The Canada Council for the Arts is the country’s public arts funder. Through its programme of grants, services, prizes and payments, it supports and promotes the nation’s arts scene both across Canada and internationally. The Strad Calendar 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of its Musical Instrument Bank by showcasing twelve of the finest instruments in its collection.
1715 Domenico Montagnana violin
Best known for his cellos, the 18th-century Venetian maker Domenico Montagnana (1686–1750) made some top-quality violins, of which the Musical Instrument Bank’s 1715 instrument is a rare and noted example. It has an impressive list of previous owners and players, including the radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi; the British virtuoso Albert Sammons; and Percival Hodgson, a pioneer in researching the bowing motions of violin players. It has previously been featured within the pages of The Strad, with a short article and photos in the June 1912 issue. It has been part of the Canada Council’s collection since 2006, when it was donated anonymously.
The instrument has a two-piece back of irregular figure. The ribs are of matching material while the scroll is plain. The top is of two pieces of narrow-grained spruce, widening at the flanks, and the varnish is a rich brown colour over a golden ground. It is currently played by Eva Aronian.
Click here to purchase The Strad Calendar 2025
Read more lutherie articles here
Read: Copying a Montagnana cello: The Full Monty
Read: I gave up a Montagnana for my c.1696 Cappa cello, says Jean-Guihen Queyras
From the Archive: a Domenica Montagana violin, 1715
Photo: Donna Santos Studio
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The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
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