In the history of Venetian violin making the Goffriller family played an important role. Their celli especially, instruments of exceptional tonal quality, have been used by some of the world’s best soloists, for example Jacqueline du Pré and Pablo Casals.

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Francesco Goffriller (1692 – circa 1750) learnt his craft from the Venetian violin maker Matteo Goffriller (b. Brixen 1659–1742). The latter founded the Venetian violin making school, having settled there after his marriage to the daughter of the lute maker Martin Kaiser.

 

For some time, Francesco was believed to be the brother of Matteo Goffriller, but it has been ascertained that Matteo, in fact, was his father. Both worked closely together, however Francesco is considered to have been the master craftsman. In 1714 Francesco moved to Undine where he worked until 1737, dying sometime between 1740 and 1750.

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This cello, made during Francesco Goffriller’s time in Udine between 1730 and 1740, is a wonderful example of his craftmanship. Apart from being in excellent condition, its beauty is further enhanced by a ruby-red lacquer, typical of Venetian instruments of that time. Our foundation acquired this instrument in 2023.

 

The instrument is currently played by Friedrich Thiele.