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Tommaso Balestrieri

The prime inspiration for violin making in Mantua in the 18th century was Pietro Guarneri, who had moved to Mantua from Cremona in the early 1680s. Although the influence of Guarneri can often be seen in Balestrieri’s work (see the circa 1760 and 1767 violins, pp. 64-69), it is not known for certain with whom he studied. It has been suggested that Balestrieri may even have studied in Cremona before moving to Mantua, and the circa 1780 violin on pp. 70-71 certainly owes more to late Stradivari than to Pietro Guarneri.

Balestrieri’s main contemporary in Mantua was Camillo Camilli, but there is little evidence to suggest that the two were connected beyond an awareness of each other’s style (compare the back of the 1767 Balestrieri with the 1730 Camilli, pp. 106-107). Although Camilli was probably the more skilful craftsman, Balestrieri’s instruments enjoy a superior reputation in the marketplace. This is due to the bold model and flat arch of his best instruments, which are based loosely on Stradivari and tend to produce a powerful sound suitable for the concert platform.

Tommaso Balestrieri

(fl Mantua, c1750–80)

The prime inspiration for violin making in Mantua in the 18th century was Pietro Guarneri, who had moved to Mantua from Cremona in the early 1680s. Although the influence of Guarneri can often be seen in Balestrieri’s work (see the circa 1760 and 1767 violins, pp. 64-69), it is not known for certain with whom he studied. It has been suggested that Balestrieri may even have studied in Cremona before moving to Mantua, and the circa 1780 violin on pp. 70-71 certainly owes more to late Stradivari than to Pietro Guarneri.

Balestrieri’s main contemporary in Mantua was Camillo Camilli,... Read more

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A violin by Tommaso Balestrieri

Mantua, 1780

Considered to be the leading Mantuan violin maker of the 18th century, Tommaso Balestrieri’s work is highly sought after. Although little is known about his early training, influences of the... read more

A violin by Tommaso Balestrieri

Mantua, 1780

Considered to be the leading Mantuan violin maker of the 18th century, Tommaso Balestrieri’s work is highly sought after. Although little is known about his early training, influences of the classical Cremonese school are evident in Balestrieri’s work. He perfected his personal model over many decades and constantly improved the outline and arching of his instruments. This instrument, inspired by Stradivari’s late work, is a very representative example. It has a very healthy and big sound, with a dark range of overtones and a particularly quick response.
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Instruments we have sold by this maker

Articles

Scarampella: in the footsteps of Balestrieri

22 March 2022 - Dilworth, John

The work of Stefano Scarampella is amongst the most admired of twentieth century Italian makers, for his distinctive and original style and well-developed tonal qualities. He initially trained as a woodworker in his native Brescia before taking up violin making,... Read more

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The Violin Makers of Mantua

02 March 2020 - Dilworth, John

Mantua in the 18th century was a far cry from the glories of its Gonzaga heyday. The seat of the great patron of renaissance music and art Isabella d’Este, the home of Virgil, of the Cremonese-born Monteverdi and the site... Read more

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Tim Ingles discusses a violin by Tommaso Balestrieri, 1788

14 December 2016

ARTICLE EXTRACT Until a few years ago, Tommaso Balestrieri was thought to have been born around 1735. This was based primarily on his emergence as a violin maker in the mid-1750s, when he was assumed to have been in his... Read more

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