Reference Library Makers

B.1637, d.1709, Milan

The founder of the Milanese school, an important early rival to nearby Cremona. The first instruments were jointly labelled 'Francesco and Giovanni de Grancinis'. The work of the brothers is strongly influenced by Amati, with full archings and orange tinted varnish. By 1670, Giovanni seems to have been working alone. His instruments show an awareness- even an anticipation- of Stradivari, with lower arching and elegant F holes with broad lower wings. These instruments generally have a clear golden yellow or pale brown varnish. He made many cellos, all on the large model, most of which have now been reduced in size. Giovanni had a son, Giovanni Battista, born in 1673 and later his assistant. He also taught or strongly influenced most of the succeeding generations of Milanese makers, Carlo Giueseppe Testore (whose best work can easily be mistaken for Grancino??Ts) and Gaetanto Pasta.