Reference Library Makers

B. 1683, d. 1747, Cremona

His work is among the rarest and best of the classical Cremonese, and the influences seen in it are broad. Historical evidence suggests initial contact with the Rugeri family, and his own label appears with gradually increasing regularity only after 1720, by which time he was in his late thirties. Following the death of Antonio Stradivari in 1737 and his sons Francesco and Omobono in 1743 and 1742 respectively, Bergonzi moved into the empty workshop, and occupied himself with the assembly and finishing of various incomplete Stradivari instruments. His own work is very highly finished and of exceptional tonal range, and incorporates the fine red coloured varnish of the best Guarneri and Stradivari tradition. His death in 1747 signifies the end of the classical period of violin making in Cremona.