The life of Gio. Paolo Maggini, published in 1892, though complete in itself, was but one of a projected series of lives of great violin makers. To make this series complete, many lives, those of the Amati especially, must be written; the history and work of many schools must be examined. But, in considering the subject, certain men stand out so strongly as marking periods, that it seemed it would be useful to begin with works setting forth, broadly speaking
(1) The beginning of violins;
(2) The early development of violins;
(3) The perfecting of violins;
a kind of trilogy, in fact, in which the leading parts are played by Gasparo da Salo, Gio. Paolo Maggini, and Antonio Stradivari.
For various reasons the "Life of Maggini" was first completed; but the "Life of Gasparo" is well advanced, and will be published before long. It has been judged wise to make the scope of this work wider than that of either of the other lives, and the necessary research and reading have involved much time and labour.
The name of Antonio Stradivari, whose life forms the third part of the trilogy, is so well known, not only to violin and music lovers, but to people generally, that there is no need to try to claim interest for it by much speaking. But, as I have had the pleasure of close and prolonged examination of the collections and notes of Mr. Alfred Hill and his brothers in connection with this life, I am glad to have the opportunity of saying a few words about the book they have written.
It is possible to overrate expert knowledge; it is equally possible to underrate it. "Everything of something, and something of everything," is almost a counsel of perfection.
This book is frankly the work of violin experts. Outside counsel has been sought, it is true, and has been generously acknowledged ; but this does not alter the fact that this "Life of Stradivari" is essentially by men, all of them peculiarly fitted, by hereditary natural aptitude, by long expert training, and by deep love of music and of musical instruments, to deal with the problems of Stradivari's history and of his immortal services to music through musical instruments, in ways new and striking, suggestive and exhaustive.
The illustrations deserve a word of special notice. To their selection and reproduction much thought and care have been given, so that they form, in themselves, a valuable contribution to the history of musical instruments; while the strange beauty of violins, which has delighted so many, has never been so well represented. (Note: this internet edition contains most of the illustrations in the Hill's book, plus many other photos from a variety of other sources.)
The study of this work cannot fail, I think, to be valuable, not only to makers of violins, but to musicians; while to the happily ever-growing number of those who use stringed instruments, it will prove a trustworthy source of information and pleasure. It is a work which can never be out of date.
MARGARET L. HUGGINS.
Internet Edition ©2001 Marshall C. St. John
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