Nicola Amati

Nicola Amati, Nicolò Amati also ( born September 3, 1596 Cremona; † August 12, 1684 ) was an Italian luthier. He is regarded as the most important member of the Amati dynasty.

Life

Nicola Amati, son of Girolamo Amati violin-maker, the developments of his grandfather Andrea Amati led to further perfection. Died in 1630, his parents and two sisters of the plague, yet signed instruments can be found by Nicolas hand until 1640th Since Giovanni Paolo Maggini 1632 died of the disease, Amati was suddenly the only significant violin makers of Italy. In 1645 he married Lucrecia de Paleari ( 1619-1703 ), his pupil Andrea Guarneri was best man. A son, Girolamo Amati II (1649-1740), took over the workshop of his father, but could after 1695 in the competition against the other emerging Cremonese violin makers in spite of good instruments not prevail.

Instruments

Compared to its ancestors Nicola Amati laid emphasis on better quality timber, he improved the finish (presumably a softer paint, the upper layer was mostly removed ) and refined the aesthetic aspect of the violins ( screw and clean processed deposits). At a later stage, he introduced a slightly larger violin model with slightly higher sides. He also increased by a more pronounced chamfer and a higher ceiling vault ceiling voltage. This increased the sound volume of his instruments clearly and gave them the typical Amati sound. His violins counted until the end of the 18th century, alongside those of Jacob Stainer, the most coveted instruments. Instruments of Nicola Amati are now in major collections and museums.

Student

In his workshop in Cremona, Nicola Amati made ​​also still numerous students from the famous violin makers were including Andrea Guarneri ( grandfather of Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù ), Giovanni Battista Ruggeri, Pietro Giacomo Ruggeri, Francesco Ruggeri, Paolo Grancino and (not assigned, but possibly also ) Antonio Stradivari. In an Amati violin a Signet of Jacob Stainer was discovered, so you can at least start from a temporary stay Stainers in the Amati workshop ..

603020
de