From Bench to Banquet Table: the ‘ex-Hepton’ Amati

This beautiful violin is a wonderfully characteristic example of one of the undisputable masters of Cremonese violin making. Nicolò Amati was the grandson of the founder of the art of violin making in the city, Andrea Amati, and already the fourth luthier of the family by the time of his engagement at his father Hieronymus’ bench in around 1610. His work is as sophisticated and refined as any of the great makers, including Stradivari himself, and as innovative and inventive in his own way as the man who succeeded him as the master of Cremona.

Nicolò inherited from Andrea and Hieronymus a virtually perfected model for the violin which has hardly changed in over four hundred years. Along with it came a sophisticated working technique that ensured consistency while allowing room for variation and expression. This shows itself in a number of ways and allows us to see a progression and evolution of ideas.

Nicolò’s greatest single contribution was the ‘Grand Pattern’, a significantly broader and longer model than any used by his predecessors, and which set the form for Stradivari’s later developments. The ‘Hepton’ however is made on the smaller form, matching many of Hieronymus’ violins.

Independent of the form itself, there is freedom in the shaping of the corners, which here are particularly delicate and extended, with the purfling mitre deflected more strongly than before. The arch was also the subject of a lot of experimentation by Nicolò, and here is very full – not unduly high – but rounded almost to the edge, unlike earlier examples such as the beautiful ‘Alard’ of 1649 at the Ashmolean Museum. This shows a movement towards a deeper tone, which again gave Stradivari significant inspiration.

Its varied programmes include conventional music tuition for all ages, early childhood music classes, music therapy sessions, and regular student and professional performances at the ‘BOP STOP’ jazz club, proudly bringing music therapy and tuition to people who might otherwise face barriers to access. Music tuition ranges from classical ensembles to jazz tuition, the rock and pop academy, creative ageing programmes, providing music, movement, and community to adults aged 55 and above.

The Music Settlement is selling the ‘ex-Hepton’ Amati violin in our March 2025 auction, with all proceeds going towards their current $11 million project, the renovation of the ‘People’s Music House’. The building was closed at the beginning of the COVID pandemic and cannot currently be used due to health and safety standards.