Otello Bignami
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[edit] Biography
Otello Bignami - born in Bologna, Italy on August 6, 1914 and died in Bologna on December 1, 1989.
The life of Otello Bignami closely resembles the lives of various 19th century violin makers in that he drew much vitality from the farming and craft traditions of his origins. The esteem of his master, Gaetano Pollastri, and the possibility to be able to indicate on his instrument labels that he was a student of Pollastri contributed towards launching his success in the profession.
Bignami also practiced the profession of restorer of fine art work and fine furniture, experiences which were undoubtedly valuable in preparing and composing his instrument varnish.
 This article is part of the Fiddle & Violin series. |
| Violin construction |
| Playing the violin |
| Making and maintenance |
| History of the violin |
| Musical styles |
| Violinists |
| Fiddlers |
| Luthiers |
He was awarded prizes at the following violin making competitions: theInternational Exhibition of Cremona 1949; 1st prize - Third National Competition of Santa Cecilia Academy of Rome 1956; and "best maker from Italy" at the Wieniawski Competition in Poland 1957. Won 1st prize and Gold medal in 1967 at Bagnacavallo.
In 1976 he was awarded a "gold violin" from the city of Bagnacavallo; subsequently he won a prize for his special dedication to teaching.
In the course of over forty years of incessant activity, he built a vast number of instruments in the violin family, including several quartets. His instruments are known for their beauty and acoustic qualities. Amongst his list of illustrious clients was David Oistrakh.
Bignami's role as a teacher, and subsequently director, in the violin making school instituted in Bologna during the early 1980's was decisive in insuring the continuity of the violin making tradition in this region.
[edit] Quotes
"In his rare moments dedicated to relaxation, Otello ventured into another creative art with passion and real dedication: painting. He painted landscapes, still life, and flowers with sweet and melancholic shades, usually giving them away to relations and friends. This was another vehicle for Otello's idealistic and dreamy personality which he expressed without compromise. A silent and discreet way of offering an unforgettable memory of his soul."
[edit] Bibliography
- Bignami, William (1998 and 2006). Liutaio in Bologna / Violinmaker in Bologna (in Italian & English). Italy: TURRIS Editrice, 146. ISBN 88-7929-160-2.
- Regazzi, Roberto (1991). A Life of Artistry (in Italian & English). Italy: Florenus Edizioni Bologna, 32. ISBN 88-85250-03-3.
[edit] References
- Il Suono di Bologna, Da Raffaele Fiorini ai grandi maestri del Novecento". Catalogo della Mostra nella chiesa di San Giorgio in Poggiale, Bologna 2002. ISBN 88-85250-06-8
- Eric Blot, Un secolo di Liuteria Italiana 1860-1960 - A century of Italian Violin Making - Emilia e Romagna I, Cremona 1994. ISBN 88-7929-026-6
- Dictionary of 20th Century Italian Violin Makers - Marlin Brinser 1978
- Dictionnaire Universel del Luthiers - Rene Vannes 1951,1972, 1985 (vol.3)
- The Strad January 1984 Bologna - A living tradition of Violin Making
- Universal Dictionary of Violin & Bow Makers - Walter Henley 1970
- Meister Italienischer Geigenbaukunst - Walter Hamma 1964
http://www.florenusedizioni.com/ilsuono.htm
http://www.artigianatoartistico.it/fiera_maestriliutai.htm#obignami
[edit] Instruments
In the course of over forty years of incessant activity, he built a vast number of instruments in the violin family, including several quartets (most prominent are from 1975,1976 & 1977). 1975 & 1976 were made as dedications to Gaetano Pollastri. 1977 was made as homage and dedication to Augusto Pollastri (marking the centenary celebration of Augusto's birth). Bignamis instruments are known for their beauty and acoustic qualities.
O. Bignami Viola which was part of a quartet from 1976:
 Otello Bignami Viola top Firenze1976 |
 Otello Bignami Viola back Firenze 1976 |
 Otello Bignami Viola scroll and side Firenze1976 |
View close-up:
Otello Bignami viola top Firenze 1976
Otello Bignami viola back Firenze 1976
Otello Bignami viola scroll and side Firenze 1976
[edit] Living Museum
Please visit the website and discover the history of the Bolognese School.
"Raffaele Fiorini and the Bolognese Violin Making School between 19th and 20th centuries" :
'Up to the first half of the nineteenth century, Violin Making in Italy was in a standstill cycle; yet, during the second half of the century, Raffaele Fiorini [[1]] gave new impulse to it. Thanks to him, born in Musiano di Pianoro,the luthier's ancient Art was brought back to a new life.' - http://www.ilsuonodibologna.org/en/overhist.htm
http://www.ilsuonodibologna.org/en/bignshop.htm
"...Otello Bignami, teacher of the greatest part of the professional luthiers now living and working in Bologna; his memory is still very vivid among them who knew him. The reconstruction of his workshop shall be a true sign of love besides an important educational and historical research. Goal of this exibition is to examine thoroughlly these Masters' work in their own geographical historical and social context, showing to the townspeople a real treasure of artistic tradition." http://www.ilsuonodibologna.org
