Tarisio

This handsome violin is a characterful example of the work of the last of the great Cremonese masters, Lorenzo Storioni. Active at the end of the 18th century, Storioni’s work was highly inspired by Guarneri del Gesù. His work varies considerably, ranging from charmingly rustic to extremely refined. The wood chosen for the back of this violin is typical: dramatically figured with asymmetrical irregular flame. On the upper bass bouts we see that the maker himself painted simulated flame on a section of the back with minimum figure showing Storioni's distinctive and individualistic approach to his craft.

In the late 1920s this violin was owned by Horacio Zito, the bandleader of Zito's Tango Orchestra, a beloved ensemble that brought the passionate rhythms of Argentine tango to American audiences. Following his ownership, the violin was sold at Wurlitzer. Described in the 1931 Wurlitzer Collection of Rare Violins, Violas & Violoncellos as “striking proof of the ability of this fine master…” and “[having] tonal quality... which has met every critical test, both in combination and solo.”That same year it was played briefly by Dorotha Powers, the American violinist and student of Leopold Auer. The violin eventually passed to Phillip Scharf, a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

This violin is listed on page 36 of the Wurlitzer Collection catalog, and is sold with a copy of the book.