“Fau, Castelbarco” Antonio Stradivari Violoncello, Cremona c. 1707-1710

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INTRODUCTION

The “Fau, Castelbarco” is a magnificent example of Stradivari’s “Forma B,” and is perhaps one of the first cellos constructed on this model.  The instrument was purchased by J.B. Vuillaume in the early 1860s, who in turn sold it to Eugène Fau in 1863 (there are various original letters and certificates in Vuillaume’s own hand accompanying the cello).  The “Fau, Castelbarco” is important from historical standards for Stradivari’s development and refinement of the cello, and is also a first-rate concert instrument of the highest order.  The cello retains much of its original varnish on the back, ribs, and table.

LITERATURE

Antonius Stradivarius (volumes I-IV), Jost Thöne & Jan Röhrmann (editors), photos by Jan Röhrmann, instrument descriptions by Alessandra Barabaschi, Jost Thöne Verlag, Cologne, 2010: Color photos (front, back, side, scroll & detail of C-bout & f-hole).

Italian Violin Makers (1964), Karel Jalovec, Paul Hamlyn, London, 1964: Black-and-white photos (front, back, side & scroll).

Italienische Geigenbauer (1957), Karel Jalovec, Artia, Prague, 1957: Black-and-white photos (front, back, side & scroll – from the Hamma archives).

The Jacques Français Rare Violins, Inc. Photographic Archive and Business Records, 1844-1998, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.: Black-and-white photo.

Violin Iconography of Antonio Stradivari 1644-1737, Herbert K. Goodkind, Larchmont, New York, 1972: Black-and-white photos (front, back, side, scroll & f-hole).