Printed by
Novello, Ewer & Co.,
London, W.
PREFATORY NOTE.
THIS monograph forms the second number of a series which opened with the pamphlet on the Tuscan Stradivari, published nearly two years ago, when that remarkable violin was in our possession.
Our purpose in these publications is to furnish descriptive notices of some of the masterpieces of violin making, with critical analyses of their characteristic features and authentic particulars of their history. In pursuance of this object we have spared no pains in seeking original sources of information, and in carefully sifting evidence; and, by these means, we hope to succeed in correcting many of the loose ideas current with regard to the works of Stradivari and the other great makers, and in establishing trustworthy data for the guidance of the present and future generations of devotees of the violin.
In the preparation of the materials for the present memoir, we have been greatly indebted to our friend Signor Federico Sacchi, of Cremona, for his indefatigable researches at the fountain-head of information on the subject of Stradivari and his native town; and we desire to take this opportunity of acknowledging the great value of his assistance in throwing light upon many points previously obscure.