This is an exceptional violin by the late Cremonese maker Zosimo Bergonzi. It’s a well preserved example and the sound is sublime.
Zosimo Bergonzi is a maker whose existence was slightly controversial until recently. Many of his violins were attributed to Sotrioni, or to earlier or later members of the Bergonzi family. However, increased sharing of information and accurate dendrochronological dating has left us with a much better understanding, and in the last two decades some 20 instruments have been identified as being by the same maker, clearly a member of the Bergonzi family, and made between the working lifespans of Michael Angelo and Nicolo… ergo Zosimo!
There are several labelled mandolins and one small violin bearing his label, and from this we know that he was an active maker in Cremona. But ultimately it’s through a close study of stylistic traits and materials that we can identify the unique hand of this maker.
This example is in very good condition – there’s a breast patch to the table and various other small restorations. Please get in touch if you’d like to see a full condition report.
Soundwise this is an outstanding violin. I’m a big fan of the Bergonzi model, and this instrument sits up there with the best instruments from Carlo I or the early Nicolo Bergonzsi. For me the Bergonzi sound is a highly successful synthesis of late Stradivari and del Gesu, and it’s a mystery to me why these violins haven’t yet been seen in that light.
This instrument is big, fruity and zingy – bags of projection, great response, but full of sweetness and old world charm. It’s a violin I would happily play for the rest of my life…
