Vincenzo Rugeri

Vincenzo Rugeri (30 September 1663 – 4 May 1719)[1] (also known as Ruger, Rugier, Rugieri, Ruggeri, Ruggieri, Ruggerius)[2], was an Italian luthier of string instruments such as violins, cellos, and, violas in Cremona, Italy.[3] His instruments are noted for their craftsmanship and tone quality.[4][5][6]

Vincenzo came from a distinguished family of luthiers, the first of whom was his father, Francesco Rugeri. Despite the local tradition of artisan families laboring together through generations, Vincenzo left the family shop and set up a successful shop of his own in the center of Cremona. Vincenzo was the third son of luthier Francesco Rugeri. Vincenzo's work, like Francesco's, is influenced by Nicolò Amati's Grand Pattern model, however Vincenzo's work was distinguished from his father's by utilizing a lower arch inspired by Antonio Stradivari.[7] An analysis of the body of his work reveals that the quality of Vincenzo's instruments is remarkable, perhaps even more so than his father's.[8] Vincenzo's instruments, though less numerous, are valued at least equal to those of his father.[9] A violin by Vincenzo Rugeri realized $502,320 on October 3, 2011 at Brompton's Auctions in London.[10][11] Carlo Bergonzi was a distinguished apprentice of Vincenzo Rugeri.

Early life

Rugeri was born just outside of the city limits of Cremona, Italy in the Parish of San Bernardo on 30 September 1663. By the age of apprenticeship, he was working alongside his two older brothers, Giovanni Battista Rugeri (2 July 1653 – 14 December 1711) and Giacinto Rugeri (15 May 1661 – 2 June 1697) assisting in their father's shop.[12] Some instruments purported to be by Francesco Rugeri are actually the work of Vincenzo.[13] All the brothers were capable workmen, ably assisting in the workshop, however it was only Vincenzo who later enjoyed individual success as a luthier and further developed the Rugeri style.[14] Vincenzo's youngest brother, Carlo Rugeri (1666–1713) does not appear to have been involved with the family's violin shop and likely pursued another vocation.

Career

By 1690, Vincenzo Rugeri had married, left the family shop, and opened his own shop in the center of Cremona. Rugeri prospered as an independent violin maker in his own right despite competition with the Stradivari and Guarneri families.[15] His productions date from about 1680-1717. His confirmed works are based on the Nicolo Amati Grand Pattern model combined with a more tonally advanced lower arch. His work is characterized by a high standard of conception and workmanship and the maple wood he employed for the backs was often of fine foreign growth.[16][17] Rugeri used a transparent varnish ranging in color from orange to red, or brown later in his career. This varnish recipe seems to be congruent with certain of Antonio Stradivari's late instruments and those of Carlo Bergonzi. The treatment of the channel around the edges of his instruments shows less scooping than other makers of the period. Some of Rugeri's instruments include original "wings" of maple in the backs.[18] His F-holes, while Amati-like, have narrower upright stems and an upright upper curve.[19]

Rugeri had two sons: Francesco (b Cremona 15 July 1704) and Carlo Giuseppe who were listed as violin makers by trade, however there are no known surviving instruments by either of them. Instruments bearing Vincenzo's name after his death in 1719 through about 1740 are possibly instruments made or finished by his sons but labelled with Vincenzo's name.[20]

Towards the last years of the 17th century, Rugeri's shop flourished financially as evidenced by Vincenzo buying up property around his workshop. Upon examining his 1719 will however, it is apparent that he experienced a decline in circumstances by 1719. His production seems to have slowed after about 1710 probably owing to competition from the Stradivari workshop.[21]

Vincenzo as a teacher

Vincenzo Rugeri was the first teacher of Carlo Bergonzi.[22]. Previously, Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari had been erroneously postulated as being Bergonzi's first teachers by W.E. Hill & Sons and Count Ignazio Alessandro Cozio di Salabue.[23] [24] Carlo Bergonzi and his family lived in close proximity to Vincenzo's workshop in Cremona, which would have been the most obvious place for apprenticeship for Carlo in about 1696, given the social and financial connections between the two families. Carlo Bergonzi's mother was the Godmother to Vincenzo's daughter, Teresa.

When comparing the work of Bergonzi with Vincenzo Rugeri, their similarity of work is apparent in the treatment of the scrolls, the use of beech purfling, the lack of dorsal thicknessing pins, and the working technique of scarfing the linings into the corner blocks at an angle instead of square. Bergonzi's early works such as the "Thibaud" violin from 1715 and others from this early period follow similar outlines and proportions to Vincenzo Rugeri's violins as can be expected, however the outlines of Bergonzi's later instruments became his own.[25][26]

Labels

Like that of Francesco, Vincenzo included the words "detto il Per" in his labels.[27]

Vicenzo Ruger detto il Per.

In Cremona 1705

Vincenzo Rugieri detto il Per

Cremona 1690

Vincenzo Ruger detto il Per.

In Cremona. 1694

Examples of instruments

There are perhaps 37 violins, 15 cellos, and less than five violas that are known to exist.

Violinist Stefan Jackiw performs exclusively on a violin by Vincenzo Rugeri dated 1704.[28][29]

"Le Brun" violin by Vincenzo Rugeri 1705[30] The Le Brun Rugeri was formerly in the collection of the Royal Academy of Music.[31][32][33]

"Baron Knoop" violin by Vincenzo Rugeri 1700c—Once thought by the Hills to be one of the finest existing Francesco Rugeri violins, it is now known to be a very fine violin by Vincenzo Rugeri.[34]

The violin collector David L. Fulton owns a 1697 viola by Vincenzo Rugeri.[35]

Ludwig van Beethoven owned a 1690 viola by Vincenzo Rugeri presented to him by Prince Lichnowsky, now in the Bonn Museum.[36]

Yoonshin Song, Concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, plays a 1707 violin by Vincenzo Rugeri on loan to her from a sponsor.[37][38]

A violin dated 1697[39] and a cello dated 1693[40][41] by Vincenzo Rugeri are in the collections of the Chimei Museum

A violin by Vincenzo Rugeri was lost when the SS Flying Enterprise sunk in 1952.[42]

References

  1. ↑ Beare, Charles; Chiesa, Carlo; Rosengard, Duane (20 Jan 2001). "Rugeri". Grove Music Online. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.24109. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  2. ↑ Wurlitzer, W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill and Alfred E. Hill ; with a new introduction by Sydney Beck and new supplementary indexes by Rembert (1963). Antonio Stradivari : his life and work, 1664-1737 (New Dover ed.). New York: Dover. p. 27. ISBN 0486204251.
  3. ↑ Drescher, erstellt von Thomas (1990). "Vincenzo Ruggeri". Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart (The violin and lute makers from the Middle Ages to the present) (5. und 6. (durchgesehene) Aufl. ed.). Tutzing: H. Schneider. ISBN 978-3795206161.
  4. ↑ Henley, William (1900). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers (1997 ed.). [S.l.]: Amati Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0901424044.
  5. ↑ Rattray, David (2001). "Vincenzo Rugeri". Masterpieces of Italian violin making : (1620-1850) : important stringed instruments from the collection at the Royal Academy of Music. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. pp. 48–51. ISBN 0810839768.
  6. ↑ Jalovec, Karel (1968). "Vincenzo Ruggeri". Encyclopedia of Violin Makers. 2 Vols. 1968. Littlehampton Book Services Ltd; 1st UK Edition 1st Printing edition (March 1968). pp. volume 2 pages 213–214. ISBN 978-0600011828.
  7. ↑ Henley, William (1900). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers (1997 ed.). [S.l.]: Amati Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0901424044.
  8. ↑ "Vincenzo Rugeri". Tarisio. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  9. ↑ Reuning, Christopher (Oct 2007). "Vincenzo Rugeri". The Strad: 70–71.
  10. ↑ "Vincenzo Rugeri Price History - Tarisio". Cozio Archive. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  11. ↑ "Lot 91 - An Important Italian Violin by Vincenzo Ruggieri, Cremona circa. 1700 - 3rd October 2011 Auction - Brompton's Auctioneers". www.bromptons.co. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  12. ↑ Reuning, Christopher (Oct 2007). "Vincenzo Rugeri". The Strad: 70–71.
  13. ↑ "Vincenzo Rugeri". Tarisio. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  14. ↑ "Francesco Ruggieri Biography". Ingles & Hayday. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  15. ↑ Reuning & Sons Violins Newsletter (Fall 2010). "Vincenzo Ruggieri" (PDF). p. 7. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  16. ↑ "Vincenzo Ruggeri" (PDF) (21). Bein & Fushi Newsletter. Bein & Fushi. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  17. ↑ Henley, William (1900). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers (1997 ed.). [S.l.]: Amati Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0901424044.
  18. ↑ Wang, Bangzhen (2009). "Vincenzo Ruggeri". The legend of Italian violins : Brescian and Cremonese violin makers 1550-1950 : the Chi Mei Collection. Tainan: Chi Mei Culture Foundation. ISBN 9789573056751.
  19. ↑ Reuning, Christopher (Oct 2007). "Vincenzo Rugeri". The Strad: 70–71.
  20. ↑ Henley, William (1900). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers (1997 ed.). [S.l.]: Amati Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0901424044.
  21. ↑ Beare, Charles; Chiesa, Carlo; Rosengard, Duane (20 Jan 2001). "Rugeri". Grove Music Online. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.24109. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  22. ↑ Reuning, editor, Christopher (2010). Carlo Bergonzi : alla scoperta di un grande maestro : a Cremonese master unveiled. Cremona [Italy]: Fondazione Antonio Stradivari Cremona - La Triennale. ISBN 888983918X.
  23. ↑ Dilworth, John. "Carlo Bergonzi Part I". Tarisio. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  24. ↑ Wurlitzer, W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill and Alfred E. Hill ; with a new introduction by Sydney Beck and new supplementary indexes by Rembert (1963). Antonio Stradivari : his life and work, 1664-1737 (New Dover ed.). New York: Dover. ISBN 0486204251.
  25. ↑ Dilworth, John. "Carlo Bergonzi Part 2". Tarisio. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  26. ↑ Reuning, editor, Christopher (2010). Carlo Bergonzi : alla scoperta di un grande maestro : a Cremonese master unveiled. Cremona [Italy]: Fondazione Antonio Stradivari Cremona - La Triennale. ISBN 888983918X.
  27. ↑ Beare, Charles; Chiesa, Carlo; Rosengard, Duane (20 Jan 2001). "Rugeri". Grove Music Online. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.24109. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  28. ↑ "Stefan Jackiw Finds His 1704 Vincenzo Rugeri Violin To Be a Versatile Vessel". Strings. 5 Apr 2015.
  29. ↑ Smith, Craig (Feb 1, 2008). "The Critical Ear, A Musician in Perpetual Motion". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Santa Fe, New Mexico. pp. z024–z025.
  30. ↑ "Violin 1705 Le Brun by Vincenzo Rugeri". World of Strings. Philadelphia, PA: William Moennig & Son, LTD. Winter 1981.
  31. ↑ Rattray, David (2001). "Vincenzo Rugeri". Masterpieces of Italian violin making : (1620-1850) : important stringed instruments from the collection at the Royal Academy of Music. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. pp. 48–51. ISBN 0810839768.
  32. ↑ "The Jacques Francais Rare Violins Inc. Photographic Archive and Business Records Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, USA Box 55, Folders 2 and 4 The sales ledgers, 1845 - 1938" (PDF).
  33. ↑ Ruggieri, Vincenzo. "Jacques Français Rare Violins, Inc. Photographic Archive and Business Records - contents · SOVA". Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives.
  34. ↑ "1700c by Vincenzo Rugeri "the Baron Knoop"". Tarisio. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  35. ↑ "Violins, violas, cellos & double basses that have been in the David Fulton collection". Cozio. Retrieved 8 Sep 2012.
  36. ↑ Henley, William (1900). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers (1997 ed.). [S.l.]: Amati Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0901424044.
  37. ↑ "Yoonshin Song's Violin is a Star on its Own". Detroit Free Press. Nov 28, 2013.
  38. ↑ Detroit Symphony Orchestra. "DSO concertmaster Yoonshin Song". www.dso.org. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  39. ↑ Wang, Bangzhen (2009). "Vincenzo Ruggeri". The legend of Italian violins : Brescian and Cremonese violin makers 1550-1950 : the Chi Mei Collection. Tainan: Chi Mei Culture Foundation. ISBN 9789573056751.
  40. ↑ "Chi Mei Museum Violin Collection Digital Collection Program". cm2.chimeimuseum.org. Retrieved 19 June 2018. Vincenzo Ruggeri
  41. ↑ Thone, Jost (2008). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Italian & French Violin Makers - Vol. 1-4. Thone, Grottammare.
  42. ↑ "King Neptune Gets Rare Old Violins as Freighter Sinks". The Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles Times. Jan 11, 1952.

Bibliography

  • Rattray, David (2001). "Vincenzo Rugeri". Masterpieces of Italian violin making : (1620-1850) : Important Stringed Instruments from the collection at the Royal Academy of Music. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. pp. 48–51. ISBN 0810839768.
  • Dilworth, John (Oct 2007). "Vincenzo Rugeri". The Strad: 70–71.
  • Henley, William (1900). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers (1997 ed.). [S.l.]: Amati Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0901424044.
  • Jalovec, Karel (1968). "Vincenzo Ruggeri". Encyclopedia of Violin Makers. 2 Vols. 1968. Littlehampton Book Services Ltd; 1st UK Edition 1st Printing edition (March 1968). pp. volume 2 pages 213–214. ISBN 978-0600011828.
  • Ruggieri, Vincenzo. "Jacques Français Rare Violins, Inc. Photographic Archive and Business Records - contents · SOVA". Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives.
  • Wang, Bangzhen (2009). "Vincenzo Ruggeri". The legend of Italian violins : Brescian and Cremonese violin makers 1550-1950 : the Chi Mei Collection. Tainan: Chi Mei Culture Foundation. ISBN 9789573056751.
  • Beare, Charles; Chiesa, Carlo; Rosengard, Duane (20 Jan 2001). "Rugeri". Grove Music Online. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.24109. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  • Thone, Jost (2008). "Vincenzo Ruggieri". Italian & French Violin Makers - Vol. 1-4. Thone, Grottammare.
  • Drescher, erstellt von Thomas (1990). "Vincenzo Ruggeri". Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart (The violin and lute makers from the Middle Ages to the present) (5. und 6. (durchgesehene) Aufl. ed.). Tutzing: H. Schneider. ISBN 978-3795206161.
  • Reuning, Christopher (Oct 2007). "Vincenzo Rugeri". The Strad: 70–71.
  • "Yoonshin Song's Violin is a Star on its Own". Detroit Free Press. Nov 28, 2013.
  • Reuning, editor, Christopher (2010). Carlo Bergonzi : alla scoperta di un grande maestro : a Cremonese master unveiled. Cremona [Italy]: Fondazione Antonio Stradivari Cremona - La Triennale. ISBN 888983918X.
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