Carlo Bisiach

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Carlo Bisiach, sketch portrait, in his atelier

Carlo Bisiach (1892 – 1968) was a violin maker born in Milan Italy. Bisiach’s work contributed to the rebirth of violin making in the region after the difficult times of World War I and World War II. After working with his father Leandro in Milan, Carlo established himself at Florence in 1926. The most talented of Leandro’s sons, Carlo went on to develop his own style quite separate from the Antoniazzi-derived work of his father and brothers.

1 Biography
2 References
3 Quotes
4 Instruments
5 External sources
- 5.1 Bisiach Family Heritage

[edit] Biography

Carlo Bisiach was born in Milan on March 9, 1892, and died in April 23, 1968.

The son and student of Leandro Bisiach, descendant of the Cremonese school, he began studying the art of stringed-instrument making in the early years of his life. In 1922, after marrying Daria Guidi in Sienna, he moved to Florence. They first lived in via della Spada; later they moved to via San Zanobi, and in 1929 to via Puccinotti. Here Bisiach lived for the rest of his life.

His instruments, though few in number, are constructed of top quality material and have perfect sound. After completing the construction of the instrument, he would leave it for up to two years before going on to the varnishing. This precision made him famous world-wide. He is particularly well-known for the quality of his varnish and the technique used to apply it onto the instruments.

According to top experts, he is considered the best of the Bisiach family.

Represented with four violins at the prestigious exhibition-competition of modern violin making held in Cremona in 1937 on the occasion of Stradivari's bicentary, in 1949 he won the diploma of honour at the exhibitions mounted at The Hague and in Cremona. Subsequently he received numerous other prizes and recognitions.

His instruments are distinguished by the care taken in the selection of wood and their elegance of form.

[edit] References

I Maestri Del Novicento - Carlo Vettori

La Liuteria Lombarda del '900 - Roberto Codazzi, Cinzia Manfredini 2002

Dictionary of 20th Century Italian Violin Makers - Marlin Brinser 1978

Dictionnaire Universel del Luthiers - Rene Vannes 1951,1972, 1985 (vol.3)

Universal Dictionary of Violin & Bow Makers - Walter Henley 1970

Meister Italienischer Geigenbaukunst - Walter Hamma 1964

[edit] Quotes

"Though an accomplished restorer and expert, violin making was his great love, and for this skill his fame is secure. " - The Bisiach Family 1983, Philip J. Kass

"Resplended workmanship , often handsome slab backs and very fine grain for breasts , orange-red varnish. Gold medalist at various exhibitions" - Universal Dictionary by William Henley

According to top experts, he is considered to be the best of the Bisiach family.

[edit] Instruments

After working with his father Leandro in Milan, Carlo established himself at Florence in 1926. The most talented of Leandro’s sons, Carlo went on to develop his own style quite separate from the Antoniazzi-derived work of his father and brothers. The instrument to your right is a truly fine and representative example of the maker’s work from this period.

Carlo Bisiach violin Firenze, 1938