Nico Amati: biography, features of the dynasty of Amati, disciples of Nikolo

Nico Amati, whose biography is presented in this article, was born in Cremona. He was outstanding, one of the best in the world, a violin maker. His instruments are still highly appreciated. Nicholas had many students.

The founder of the dynasty

Nico Amati was the most famous representative of the legendary dynasty of violin makers, whose founder was his grandfather - Andrea. Precisely it is not known when exactly a genius was born. He inherited his grandfather's workshop, which he opened at Cremona with his brother. The Amati family produced not only violins, but also other stringed instruments. They are developers of their own technologies. Violins of the modern type were invented precisely by this dynasty. Nikolo perfected the tools made by his ancestors: gave them a new look and made the sound more beautiful.

Nikolo

As already mentioned above, the violin was made more perfect by Niccolo Amati. The instruments he created acquired a strong and vivid voice, their sound became more flighty, while remaining gentle and beautiful.

He increased the size of the violin, made it more elegant and thin at the waist. I changed the composition of the varnish-coating, made it transparent and more shiny, changed its color - added different tones.

Nico Amati created a school where he taught future violin makers. Among the free pupils who served him as an apprentice, was the son of a genius, Girolamo. Many masters, who subsequently founded their dynasties and opened their own schools, were trained by N. Amati. Among them were A. Stradivari with A. Guarneri.

The most famous students are Italians

The best violin master in the world Anthony Stradivari is a pupil of Nicholas Amati. The exact date of his birth is not known to historians and musicologists.

Most of its tools have survived to the present day in excellent working order. Holders of violins, cellos, violas and guitars of this master are only world-famous virtuosos and collectors. Today, about seven hundred and twenty instruments of A. Stradivari are read, among them there is even one harp.

Antonio, having completed his studies, opened his workshop. Antonio perfected the violins that N. Amati created and surpassed his teacher in mastery. Until now, the best instruments are A. Stradivari. What is the secret of the amazing sound of his violins - is unknown until now.

Another famous pupil of Nicolo Amati is Andrea Guarneri. He subsequently founded his dynasty of violin masters. His business was continued by his sons - Pietro, Giovanni Battista and Giuseppe. The last of them became the most famous representative of the family and was the best in his dynasty, surpassed his father's skill.

Student from Germany

Nicolo Amati trained not only the Italians. He had students from other countries. The most famous of them is Jacob Steiner from Tyrol. About its origin and parents, nothing is known. This person is rather mysterious, in her biography there are a lot of gaps and secrets that have not been solved until now. In church books there is no mention of his birth.

After training at N. Amati, Jacob opened his own workshop in his homeland. Very quickly he achieved fame. During the life of J. Steiner was a period when his violins were valued in Europe more than the masterpieces of A. Stradivari. So it was until the 18th century.

His tools met all the requirements of that time. They were chambered. J. Steiner gave way to A. Stradivari's leading positions and other masters from Cremona, when new demands were made to the violins, the need arose that their sound was suitable for performances in large halls with a large number of listeners. Today, experts believe that the tools of both these masters are equivalent, are not inferior to each other in sound quality, deserve to be called the best.

Wood and all the necessary materials for the manufacture of his tools, Jakob Steiner bought in Venice. The violin of this master was distinguished by a steeper vault and artfully carved lion heads on the neck. His instruments had a special sound - their voices were more gentle, thin, piercing and sonorous than those of Italian masters. Jacob Steiner is considered the father of the German violin.