Peter White – Guarneri ‘del Gesù Violin #264

Peter White – Guarneri ‘del Gesù Violin #264

Bartolommeo Guarneri del Gesu is today regarded by soloists throughout the world as one of the two best violin makers, with the other of course being Antonio Stradivari. The violin pictured here is White’s most advanced attempt to capture the brilliant and somewhat erratic works of Guarneri in the 1740s. White has antiqued the violin, capturing the gouge marks, rough purfling, rounded corners, bold-dark ribs, and the hastily carved scroll. The violin features the maker’s own personal oil varnish recipe, developed over the last thirty years. The colors especially the gold and red on the back are consistent with the contemporary appearance.

Guarneri del Gesu placed the seal of the Franciscans on his labels. White himself was educated by the Franciscans, and feels particularly drawn to the instrument maker. Guarneri del Gesu had to work exceptionally hard as his shop in the shadow of the great Stradivari.  He died at a relatively early age, never quite gaining the recognition he deserved. The magnificent violinist Paganini once played one of violins and today many international soloists regard instruments by Guarneri del Gesu as the most powerful they have ever encountered. White believes that this violin is the best copy of a del Gesu he has ever made in over fifty years of violin making.

Peter White has won many gold medals in American contests for his violins, violas, and cellos. He also won a gold medal for his detailed copy of Andrea Amati’s 1560 violin and viola. This award was given to him at the first International Competition for Antiqued Instruments in 2010, Cremona, Italy. Most of White’s education in violin making was done under Jan Pawlikowski in Krakow Poland, and through short internships in other European violin shops.