Don Nicola Marchioni (Don Nicolo Amati)

History

Don Nicola Marchioni (Don Nicolo Amati) (1662-1752) was the pseudonym of Nicola Marchioni, a Bolognese priest. According to John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was born in 1662 and died in 1752 in Bologna, Italy. He was an associate of the Tononi family. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, suggests that the "D." before his name on his labels, such as those published by de Wit, indicates "Don" (from Latin Dominus), a title used by monks in the 18th century and formerly reserved for higher clergy. Lütgendorff posits that he was a clergyman at S. Cosmas and Damian who pursued violin making as a hobby. Cecie Stainer's A Dictionary of Violin Makers states he lived in Bologna during the first part of the 17th century, which presents a conflict with the 1662 birth date provided by Dilworth.

Craft

• Workmanship: John Dilworth describes his work as highly variable, with the workmanship being slightly improvisational. Lütgendorff characterizes his achievements as mediocre.
• Varnish: Dilworth notes that the varnish is a fine, richly textured red of the best sort. Cecie Stainer adds that he used oil varnish for his violins and basses.
• Design Elements: His scrolls are described by Dilworth as rather small and cramped. The corners are also small and a little hooked. However, the arching is low and well sculpted.
• Tone: According to Stainer, the tone of his instruments was clear and sweet.

Influence

• Associations: Don Nicola Marchioni was an associate of the Tononi family.
• Family Connection: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that his affiliation with the Cremonese family is not clear.

Further Information

• Labels: John Dilworth records two label inscriptions: "D. Nicolaus Amati fecit / Bononiae Apud SS: Cosma / et Damiani 17.." and "D. Nicolaus Amati / fecit Bononiae 17.."
• Workshop Location: His labels indicate he worked in Bologna, specifically "Apud SS: Cosma et Damiani."