Turinese violins hold a special place in the hearts of many string afficionados for their superb craftsmanship and striking looks. Enrico Marchetti embodies the best of twentieth century Turin and his instruments are much sought-after for their bold, soloistic tone.
In today’s article, we’re pleased to present a fine and characteristic example of his work, a violin made in Turin in 1915 which remains in superb condition with untouched original varnish.
Who Was Enrico Marchetti?
Born in 1855 in Milan, Marchetti seems to have trained in that city with Luigi Bajoni and to have worked there for Gaetano Rossi before relocating to Turin in 1874. He was employed first of all by Benedetto Gioffredo`Rinaldi’ and then by Antonio Guadagnini, setting up his own workshop upon the latter’s death in 1881.
Despite his Milanese beginnings, Marchetti is forever associated with the Turin school, following in the footsteps of Giovanni Francesco Pressenda and Giuseppe Rocca. Stylistically, his work pays homage to these two giants of the Turinese school whilst demonstrating plenty of his own flair! His excellence was recognised by prizes in the major exhibitions of the time: in Turin in 1884, Antwerp in 1885, Paris in 1885 and 1886, and in Toulouse in 1887.
Marchetti’s output was prolific, helped in large part by his decision in 1893 to move to the countryside to the north of Turin in order to focus on his making. He was assisted at various times by his talented son Edoardo and by Anselmo Curletto and Romano Marengo. Marchetti settled back in Turin around 1912 and worked there until his death in 1930.
Condition: 110 years in
This violin was made in Turin in 1915, during an especially prolific period in Marchetti’s output. The violin has survived in remarkable condition, with the deep, luminous varnish that defines Marchetti’s best work being especially well preserved. One small crack to the treble f hole wing and five shrinkage cracks outside of the purfling are the only issues that have developed in its first 110 years of its life!
The two piece back of quarter-sawn maple is especially attractive and is a testament to Marchetti’s confident artistic vision. Here we see a maker unencumbered by the enormity of the achievements of Pressenda and Rocca: it’s hard to imagine this particular piece of wood being used by either of these 19th century titans, but Marchetti frequently uses wood like this to enormously characterful effect.
Both the purfling and the scroll are further evidence of the maker’s great confidence and vision: the work is bold and quick, with the sense of style as the primary objective. The result is an instrument with great character and artistic flair.
Analysis in pictures
Fig. 1: The instrument is Marchetti´s bold interpretation of a del Gesù model.
Fig. 2: The broad f-hole wings are Marchetti's stylised interpretation of the model.
Fig. 3: The front is two pieces of relatively wide-grained spruce and the varnish is a translucent golden-amber.
Fig. 4: The back is two pieces of attractive and characterful maple.
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Fig. 5: The scroll has blackened chamfers, perhaps in homage to the works of Pressenda and Rocca.
How does it sound?
While condition and provenance are key factors in any decision, the sound is of course key. Marchetti’s instruments are known for their robust, brilliant tone and amazing volume – he’s probably one of the makers whose work most sounds as it looks!
This particular violin projects beautifully whilst maintaining a varied tonal palette, making it a perfect choice for soloists and serious musicians who require both clarity and depth.
Its responsiveness allows for effortless expression, with a resonance that carries through a concert hall yet remains intimate when played softly. Whether used as a primary performance instrument or preserved as a treasured part of a collection, this violin sparkles with the joy and excitement that characterises the best of the Modern Italian tradition.
Whether you are an avid collector looking to add a rare gem to your portfolio or a musician seeking a world-class instrument, this Enrico Marchetti violin is a superb option. If you would like to learn more about this violin or to arrange a private viewing, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
You may also be interested to see further information about the violin here.