Giuseppe Pedrazzini

1879 – 1957

 

Giuseppe Pedrazzini was an Italian violin maker from Pizzighettone. He was born in 1879 to a cabinetmaker and so from the beginning of his life he was immersed in the art of woodworking. His enormous passion for music led him to pursue violin-making instead of the craft of his father.

In 1893 Pedrazzini moved to Milan, where he studied under Riccardo and Romeo Antoniazzi. He was dedicated to learning the method of constructing a fine instrument, and also to studying the acoustic science involved. By 1906 he was able to open his own shop, and his enterprise paid off quickly as by 1910 he was established as one of Milan’s premiere luthiers. His business grew and he took on several apprentices including Piero Parravicini and Ferdinando Garimberti.

He received his first gold medal at the 1920 “Santa Cecilia” competition in Rome. With the honor Pedrazzini’s reputation grew and he began exporting his instruments internationally. Pedrazzini had a particularly notable relationship with Hawkes & Son.

Throughout his career Pedrazzini was strongly inspired by Stradivarian and other classic cremonese models. As his career progressed he also began incorporating techniques of Milanese maker Giovanni Grancino, especially in the varnish and the design of his scrolls.