Giovanni Battista Gabrielli
Florence, 1770

Giovanni Battista Gabrielli is the most esteemed maker of the 18th century Florentine school of violinmaking. He built his instruments exclusively in the tradition of Jacob Stainer, the most influential Germanic luthier of the preceding century. Himself an oft-copied maker, Gabrielli’s work features a distinct elegance, precision, and thoughtfulness of model missing from that of his imitators. His own stylistic influence was to persist in Florence through the work of his pupils Lorenzo and Tomaso Carcassi.

This exceptional viola is covered in a gorgeous, translucent golden varnish. It projects a strong, lush sound, and it’s modest size of just under 16 inches makes it an ideal instrument for those seeking comfort without sacrificing quality of tone.