Episodes

  • Ep. 33 Giuseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea Part 2
    Jan 28 2025

    Hello! In this second episode we will continue to delve into the life of violin maker Giuseppe Filius Andrea Guarneri. And I am Joined by Dr. Alan Maddox from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, as we explore the musical landscape of the late 17th century, focusing on the trio sonata and its impact on violin making (because yes it does have an impact!). Come and join me as I take a look at Giuseppe's life, his growing family, and his inheritance complications after the death of his father, Andrea Guarneri. Discover with me why the development of printed music influenced so many musicians at the time of Giuseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea, and we take a sneak peak at the lifestyles of virtuoso performers, and the intricate connections between different musical styles in different parts of Europe at this time because it will ultimately help us to understand these violin makers so much more. And finally we unveil how these historical musicians and their innovations continue to affect our understanding of music and instrument making today. Now if you would like to join me for these episodes on Giuseppe Guarneri Filius Andrea pleas go to Patreon.com/thevioinchronicles where you will have access to these exclusive episodes and a whole bunch more, I hope to see you there.

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    2 mins
  • Giuseppe Guarneri or Filius Andrea
    Jan 22 2025

    In this episode of 'The Violin Chronicles,' Linda Lespets takes listeners through the life of Giuseppe Guarneri, also known as Filius Andrea, a seminal violin maker from Cremona in the 17th century. The discussion begins with the significance of understanding Giuseppe to fully appreciate his more famous son, Guarneri del Gesù. Giuseppe's We look at his early life, his family dynamics, and the socio-economic environment of Cremona, while spotlighting the intricacies of his violin-making career. Through the lens of historical events and familial relationships, listeners learn about Giuseppe's craftsmanship, his rivalry with contemporary luthiers like Stradivari, and his contributions to cello design. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how his work and legacy intertwined with that of his distinguished family. Join Linda on Patreon.com/theviolinchronicles for exclusive content and insights into the lives of other great violin makers.

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    2 mins
  • Ep 31. Pietro Guarneri of Mantua part 4
    Nov 10 2024

    Here we are! The final chapter in the life of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua, a distinguished violin maker, and his experiences during a turbulent period in history. Pietro's mother-in-law joins their household in 1700. Pietro's style of violin making has evolved substantially, reflecting the broader and bolder designs of his instruments.

    However, family tensions arise as his brother Giuseppe fails to pay Pietro his share of their father's inheritance, eventually resolving the dispute after several years. Meanwhile, historical events significantly impact Pietro’s life. The death of the King of Spain in 1700 sparks the War of Spanish Succession, embroiling Mantua in conflict as the French and Austrians vie for control over northern Italian territories.

    This period sees devastating consequences for Pietro's family, including the death of his daughter Eleonora and the chronic instability caused by shifting political powers. Despite these challenges, Pietro continues his craft, even as the Austrians eventually claim Mantua what will happen to our violin maker Pietro Guarneri?

    Personal tragedies persist with the death of more children, but Pietro forges on, making exquisite instruments until his death in 1720.

    Mantua is transforming how will the art of the violin makers survive this upheaval?

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    35 mins
  • Ep 30. Pietro of Mantua Part 3
    Nov 3 2024
    Welcome back to the complex and eventful life of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua. This episode explores Pietro's struggle of managing six children alone, the influence of Jacob Steiner on his instruments, and the familial conflicts over inheritance. We look at Pietro's work for the court of Mantua, including his decorated instruments with the fleur de lis patterns, why did he do this? Find out all! The episode also touches on the personal hardships Pietro faced, such as the death of his wife Caterina and subsequent remarriage to Lucia Birani. Financial challenges, especially related to dowries and house payments, are prominent, alongside Pietro's continuous dedication to his craft and the musical court despite political instability. Andrea Guarneri's death left a few curved balls for his sons to sort out, let see how the brothers (Pietro of Mantua and Giuseppe Filius Andrea) manage.
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    35 mins
  • Ep 29. Pietro of Mantua Part 2
    Oct 27 2024

    In this episode of The Violin Chronicles, the life of Pietro Guarneri, Andrea Guarneri's eldest son, continues as he and his wife Caterina move to Mantua, a culturally rich yet politically tumultuous city. This episode opens a window onto Pietro's daily life, his tasks for the imprudent Duke Ferdinando Carlo, and the socio-political environment of 17th-century Mantua. This episode also explores the impact of European power struggles, particularly the War of the Spanish Succession, on the Guarneri family and Mantuan society. Pietro's craftsmanship, family dynamics, and interactions with the declining ducal court stand at the forefront, offering a rich historical tapestry in which our violin maker despite tough times was making a go of it.

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    23 mins
  • Ep 28. Pietro Guarneri of Mantua Part 1
    Oct 20 2024

    Never get your Pietro Guarneri's mixed up again! Pietro Guarneri of Mantua was Andrea Guarneri's eldest son, both a talented maker and musician, so why did he leave his home town to go work for a narcissistic socialite down the road? Find out as we take a look at this often forgotten Guarneri at the opulent and downright turbulent court of the Gonzaga's.

    Pietro Guarneri of Mantua, a fascinating yet often overlooked figure in violin making history. This episode covers Pietro's colourful life, beginning with his birth in Cremona in 1655, his early years working alongside his father Andrea Guarneri, and his move to Mantua. Pietro's journey is marked by personal tragedies, including the loss of his first child, and professional aspirations driven by his exceptional talent both as a craftsman and a musician. The episode also delves into the political complexities of Mantua, its court life, and the intrigues surrounding its rulers. Pietro's move to Mantua to work under the Gonzaga court, his successful establishment as both a musician and an instrument maker, and the legacy he left behind form the crux of this engaging historical account.

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    45 mins
  • Ep 27. Andrea Guarneri Part 2. his 3 sons and his 3 wills.
    Sep 15 2024

    Continue listening to the life of Andrea Guarneri, student of Nicolo Amati and father of 2 very important violin makers.

    To listen to this episode I invite you to sign up to Patreon, you can do this at Patreon/thevioinchronicles.com

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Ep 26. Andrea Guarneri Part 1 The founding father
    Sep 11 2024

    Andrea Guarneri was the first in the line of Guarneri violin makers and he is the link with the Amati family, having been apprenticed to Nicolo Amati, but as you will see this family will soon break away from the Amati tradition and start creating their own unique style.

    the Guarneri family of violin makers. Take a look with me at Andrea's early life amidst war, famine, and the plague, and his apprenticeship under the esteemed Niccolo Amati, who had lost many family members to the plague.

    Andrea becomes a trusted apprentice and eventually moves out of the Amati household to get married to Anna Maria Orcelli. How will Andrea evolve in his work and business success working just around the corner from the great Nicolo Amati?

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    3 mins