The Cremona Viola: An Italian Masterpiece

Do you feel joy and inspiration when you hold a first-class viola in your hands? With Violin Shop Cremona, this moment will soon become a reality. We are your reliable partner for excellent string instruments from the heart of Italy. For generations, Cremona has been known as the cradle of lutherie and we are proud to continue this tradition. Every Cremona viola from the workshops of the master caftsmen is the result of generations of expertise and artisanry. With us, you will not only find instruments of unparalleled quality, but also a deep passion for music and craftsmanship.

So if you are considering buying a viola that excels in both sound and craftsmanship, you have come to the right place. Whether you are just starting out on your musical journey or you are a professional looking for the perfect sound: The experts at Violin Shop Cremona are here to support you with expertise and dedication to the craft. Each viola has been selected exclusively for you by our experts. In our store you will only find violas that were made in Cremona and whose authenticity is 100% certified. You are welcome to make an appointment to play a viola at our location in Frankfurt or at our branch in Erlangen. We look forward to your inquiry.

Italian Viola Late 20th Century

Italian Viola

Anonymous

On request
Giuseppe Arrè Bratsche 2023

Fine viola from Cremona

Giuseppe Arrè

On request
Marco Maria Gastaldi Viola 2017

Fine viola from Cremona

Marco Maria Gastaldi

On request

The Italian Viola: History and Meaning

Over the centuries, the viola has undergone a fascinating development. Originally appearing in the Middle Ages as the "viola da braccio", it has evolved from an accompanying instrument to the centerpiece of a string quartet and an indispensable part of any classical orchestra.

The Italian viola has its roots in the 16th and 17th centuries, when master luthiers in regions such as Cremona began to perfect this wonderful instrument with its unique depth and richness of sound. Over time, the viola has evolved in both form and timbre, with the Italian models always being considered the gold standard.

Compared to other string instruments such as the violin or cello, the viola occupies a middle position in terms of both size and sound. While the violin is known for its high, clear tones and the cello for its deep, resonant sounds, the viola fills the gap in between with warm, full and often melancholy tones. This makes it an indispensable part of chamber music and orchestras. Despite these differences, all these instruments share a common origin and many similar construction methods.

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Italian Violas for Sale: What to Look out for

The journey of buying a viola is deeply personal. It's about finding an instrument that reflects your musical vision while meeting the highest standards of violin making. We are happy to accompany you in the search for your Cremona viola.

The decision to buy a viola is an important step for any musician. It's not just about an instrument, but about expanding your own musical expression. For connoisseurs who appreciate the nuances and subtleties of music, as well as for beginners, choosing the right viola is of crucial importance.

Important Criteria when Choosing a Viola from Cremona

  • Size: Every musician knows that comfort is essential when playing. The size of the viola should match your height and arm length to ensure optimum playing technique. Standard violas are available with a length of 39 to 43.5 centimeters. Most models for adults are around 40 centimeters long. We know from experience: Whether it is 39.5 or 40.5 centimeters can make a decisive difference to the experience of playing the instrument and to the overall performance of the viola.
  • Quality: The quality of an instrument is not only reflected in its sound, but also in its longevity. High-quality woods and careful workmanship are crucial for the sound and resonance of a viola.
  • Origin: Cremona, the cradle of violin making, is known across the globe for its outstanding string instruments. An instrument from this region promises not only craftsmanship, but also a deep musical tradition.

Our Recommendations depending on experience level:

  • Beginners: Even if you are new to the world of violas, you should not skimp on quality. A well-crafted viola from Cremona offers the best introduction for understanding the technique and sound of the instrument.
  • Advanced players: As your skills grow, so do your expectations of the instrument. A genuine Italian viola from our hand-picked collection can make all the difference in your musical development.
  • Professionals: For those who have perfected their craft, it's the details in sound and performance that matter. A handcrafted viola from Cremona, selected from a collection of masterpieces, may be just the model to perfect your music.
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Selecting a High Quality Viola: Old Masterwork or New Piece?

Some musicians swear by an old Cremona viola that was made two hundred years ago in a master workshop. They praise its special sound and exceptional workmanship. They are fascinated by the incomparable way their bow dances across the strings and their fingers fly over the fingerboard. The tradition and the inestimable historical and cultural value of an old viola justify the price and effort required to obtain such a rare instrument. But a good viola does not necessarily have to be old. In the meantime, newly made violas from Cremona have also become established, the price of which is usually significantly lower than that of historical pieces.

Modern violas, cellos and violins from Cremona are built with the same dedication and on the basis of centuries-old knowledge of craftsmanship. At the same time, the Italian violin makers of modern times take into account the latest findings and techniques that give a simple viola or violin that very special something. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern acoustic research, today's violas from Cremona can offer a clear, resonant and balanced sound that can even exceed that of older instruments. While old violas were often optimized for a specific style of playing or a particular historical musical style, modern instruments are more versatile and can support a wider range of musical genres and techniques. Discover the unique touch of each Cremona violin maker while testing our violas.

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We are Experts for Genuine Italian Musical Instruments and Matching Accessories

If you want to buy a high-quality viola, you are sure to find the right model in our Cremona Violin Shop. Trust in over 15 years of partnership with the luthiers from Cremona and the expertise, that we and numerous top-class musicians in our network have built over the years, to find your perfect string instrument.

Our experts live their passion for music in general and for Cremona musical instruments in particular:

  • Michael Belsky is an internationally successful cellist and experienced concert organizer. He successfully completed his cello studies at renowned music academies in Frankfurt and Stuttgart. His deep connection to the world of string instruments and to Cremona is also reflected in his long-standing partnership with the local luthiers. He selects the instruments offered in our store with the utmost care.
  • Artemi D'Alex is a respected violin maker and passionate musician. He honed his skills at the renowned Cremona International Violin Making School. He has lived in Cremona since 2008, where he combines the tradition of lutherie with artistic innovation. When it comes to musical instruments, the two experts, Michael Belsky and Artemi D'Alex, leave nothing to chance. Not only have they mastered the fine string instruments to perfection, they also take care to personally select every musical instrument on offer here.

In addition to the classical viola, you can also buy fine Cremona violins and Italian master cellos in our store. Of course, we also offer all the necessary accessories such as high-quality bows for musical instruments, instrument cases and care sets. Every instrument in our store comes with a certificate confirming its origin and authenticity as a genuine Cremona musical instrument, as well as detailed information on its sound carrying capacity, sound quality and playability. Choose your favorites online and decide on the instrument that matches your musical vision after trying it out at our locations in Frankfurt or Erlangen. We will be happy to advise you in detail before you buy a Cremona viola. Simply call us to make an appointment to try out the instrument before your purchase. You can also use our contact form for all inquiries. We look forward to accompanying you on your musical journey.

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