A CD for special event
Three instruments in the splendid setting of the Ponchielli Theatre

Andrea Amati, the first of the great violin makers of Cremona, was born there in 1505, according to the most reliable historical research. Progenitor of a dynasty of violin makers which continued for four generations spanning more than two centuries, Andrea represented a universal reference point for those seeking the highest quality violins. He introduced new construction techniques, determining the shapes and proportions of stringed instruments, which have remained basically unchanged ever since. Such was his renown that around the middle of the sixteenth century, he made entire groups of stringed instruments for the courts of France and Spain. The instruments destined for royal use were splendidly painted by highly skilled "decorators", of whom there was no shortage in the Cremona of the 1500s. Many violin makers received their training in the Amati workshop, among them Andrea Guarneri, and in al1 likelihood also Antonio Stradivarius. For all these reasons the Triennial Body decided to devote a cycle of celebratory events to Andrea Amati, from 2005 to 2007, including meetings, scientific studies and in-depth investigations on the instruments, as well as three great exhibitions:
- A body in search of a soul - Andrea Amati and the birth of the violin (2005)
- The Amatis' DNA: A Dynasty of Stringed Instrument Makers in Cremona (2006)
- Andrea Amati Opera Omnia: "Les Violons du Roi" (2007)
On the occasion of the latest exhibition, it was decided to hold an extraordinary concert in the maestro’s honour, during which three of his instruments were played solo and in ensemble by illustrious experts, accompanied by a pianist of the highest rank. It is rare to have the privilege of listening to even one 500-year-old instrument, let alone three such instruments simultaneously. This was an absolutely unique experience, something that could only have happened in Cremona. The splendid setting of the Ponchielli Theatre made an important contribution too. We are therefore delighted to offer this CD to enthusiasts of music and violin making as a memento of the event that brought all 21 surviving instruments by Andrea Amati together in the city where they were fashioned, shaped by the skilful hands of the maestro. As we hear the sound of these instruments, our thoughts hark back to the magnificence of the court of France during the reign of Charles IX and Caterina de Medici, his mother. Let us revel in this acoustic treat, charmed by the aesthetic and harmonic beauty of the instruments made by the great Andrea.

Paolo Bodini
President

Virginia Villa
Director

We take this opportunity to thank all the directors and members of the Scientific Committees who have participated in the three years of the Andrea Amati project: Charles Beare, Fausto Cacciatori, Maria Caraci Vela, Bruce Carlson, Carlo Chiesa, Elena Ferrari Barassi, Don Andrea Foglia, Renato Meucci, Andrea Mosconi, Giorgio Politi, Chris Reuning, Duane Rosenguard and Marco Tanzi.

Robert Schumann, from Sonata no.2 for violin and piano, Op. 121
1° Ziemlich langsam - lebhaft

Robert Schumann, from 'Marchenbilder' for viola and piano, Op. 113
2° Langsam, mit rnelancholichem Ausdruck

Robert Schumann, from 'Funf Stucke in Volkston', for cello and piano, Op. 102
3° Langsam

Johannes Brahms, Quartet in C minor, Op. 60

4° Allegro non troppo
5° Scherzo: Allegro
6° Andante
7° Finale: Allegro comodo

Marco Rizzi, violin - Christoph Schiller, viola
Julius Berger, cello - Edoardo Strabbioli, piano

Live recording of the concert at the Ponchielli Theatre, Cremona, on 29 September 2007
Recording, editing and artwork: Diego Cannlupi, Studio Syntagma, Cremona