Matteo Goffriller
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Matteo Goffriller (also Mateo Gofriller) (1659-1742) was a renowned 18th century Italian cello maker. He was thought to be active between 1689-1740, was a master craftsman and one the greatest cello makers of his time. He founded the Venetian School of luthiers.
Gofriller was virtually unknown until the 20th century. In the past, his celli have been erroneously attributed to Guarneri, Bergonzi, and even Stradivari. In the 1920s, his instruments began to be identified. The earliest of his instruments which has been identified is a viola de gamba dating back to 1689. Pablo Casals' Gofriller was originally attributed to Bergonzi.
Gofriller's instruments are today highly sought after, and are a preferred instrument for accomplished cellists.
[edit] Francesco Gofriller
Francesco Gofriller (1692-1750) was Mateo's brother, and was also a cello maker. He was thought to be active between 1709 and 1739.
He started his working life as a luthier in Venice from approximately 1709 until 1714, and moved to Udine in 1714.
[edit] Legacy
Pablo Casals had a Gofriller which was his main concert instrument for most of his professional life. It was acquired by Casals in 1913 and used until his death in 1973. Since 2000, the use of this instrument has been awarded to the winner of the quadrennial International Pablo Casals Cello Competition in Germany. [1]
Other notable musicians who own or have owned a Goffriller are:
Zuill Bailey, Emanuel Feuermann, Édouard Lalo, Nicolo Paganini, Carlo Alfredo Piatti, Leonard Rose, Mischa Schneider, Joseph Schuster, Janos Starker, Matt Haimovitz, and Jacqueline du Pré.
