Violin Hunter

by William A. Silverman

Rear cover "What is it that makes the violins of old Cremona so wonderful? It is an intriguing question, and it has defied all men except possibly one. His name was Luigi Tarisio. Had it not been for this mysterious man, few if any of the instruments created during the golden age of the violin would have survived until today. Luigi Tarisio was the greatest collector of stringed instruments who has ever lived. Musicians know his name, but little else about him. The author, William Silverman, has done a tremendous amount of research to gather all of the factual data which made it possible to bring Tarisio to life again. He has used this material with care and has recaptured the period, the place, and events so that Tarisio seems to take the reader along on his journeys. Together they experience the thrill of collecting these widely scattered treasures. This book will be treasured by anyone who has ever played upon a stringed instrument and, because of the wonderful way in which the author has treated a truly fabulous character, will be fascinating to any reader who enjoys a good story." Expanded and illustrated edition of the historical novel first published in the United States by John Day in 1957. Hardcover, 5.75 x 8.75 inches, 261 pages, lavishly illustrated throughout in color and black and white, Index.

Genres: Music, Adventure

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this book. I love it. It's just a beautiful story (true) of a man who passionately loved violins and because of him many old, old violins were found and preserved which were made by famous violin families for several generations, the Bergonzis, the Guarneris, Stradivaris, Amatis. The violins were given names and many of their pictures appear in this book. Luigi Taurismo travelled all over Italy collecting violins that were stashed away in barns and churches. He was a carpenter and traded his service for the violins that people no longer had a use for. He made a fortune. Most of these violins were made in Cremona, Italy and it sounds like everyone was making violins but only certain ones from the master violin makers had that special sound which others could never seem to duplicate. I liked Luigi. It seems everyone who met him liked him and he many have never had an enemy. A great deal of research was done for this book and I'm grateful to have been introduced to it by my son who owns the book.

[Xavier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is out of print but if you have the opportunity do purchase it! A must read for string players.

[Elderberrywine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rather dreamy and lyrical fictitious biography of Luigi Tarisio, self-taught violin expert. At a time when only about 50 Cremona (Stradivari, Guarneri, etc.) were known to exist, Tarisio, a native of the Cremona area, realized they were all still around him. Considered old-fashioned by the current violin makers, they were left in barns, attics, wherever. Tarisio had the wit to see their quality, bought them up for nothing, and walked them in a pack on his back to Paris, where they were immediately snapped up by connoisseurs for a pretty penny. All in all, he saved over a thousand of these masterpieces, a truly amazing feat.

I found an unexpected treat on page 217 though. My copy was an old library discard that I had picked up somewhere for a couple of quarters or so, and had no marking in it except on this one page. Tarisio meets an English author and music critic (and soon to be friend), Charles Reade, who is described thus: Reade was poised, sarcastic, and snobbish. All three adjectives are underlined, and underneath is very neatly written, "All British are." Hee! Well, OK then!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is out of print, but if you can get your hands on a copy it is well worth it. It's the true story of a man who combed Italy looking for lost Strad-era violins. It's very well written and the story is amazing!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I ever read.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating. Sat down and read it in one or two evenings. Great engaging historical stuff.

[John Schoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple book that conjures up images of places and events any should excite almost anyone who likes music, woodworking or just reading.

[Aki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly simple style of writing, quick read.