Possibly the first instrument ever made by Pressenda, it boasts a two-piece back of slightly burled quarter-cut maple
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.
- 1820 Giovanni Francesco Pressenda violin
This is believed to be the first known instrument ever made by Giovanni Francesco Pressenda (1777–1854). Incredibly it remains in pristine condition, almost as it was when it left the maker’s workshop more than two centuries ago. For many years, it was owned by Remo Bolognini, once regarded as one of South America’s greatest ever violinists. A pupil of Eugène Ysaÿe, Bolignini was assistant concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony, and concertmaster of the NBC Symphony under Toscanini. He also owned the c.1730 ‘Goldberg, Baron Vitta’ violin by Guarneri ‘del Gesú’.
Considering Pressenda was 43 when he made this instrument, it is perhaps surprising that there are no examples of his work from before this date. It is thought he may have trained in Paris, given his preference for Stradivari models in his early work. This instrument has a two-piece back of slightly burled quarter-cut maple. It displays narrow figure ascending slightly from the centre joint. The rib material is made to match, and the scroll is of a similar material. The top is made from two pieces of medium-grain spruce, widening at the flanks. The varnish is a reddish-brown colour. It is currently played by Kumiko Sakamoto.
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Read more lutherie articles here
Read: Pressenda: Combined impact
Read: From the archive: a c.1845 violin by Pressenda
Read: From the Archive: A violin by Giovanni Francesco Pressenda, Turin, 1837
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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