A viola by
Giovanni Paolo Maggini

Maggini was born near Brescia in 1580 and became a pupil of Gasparo da Salo. He is the best known maker of the city and produced a large number of violins that were to influence makers of the next generation in Cremona. It is thought that Maggini may have been the first to establish the ideal size of the modern viola, reducing its dimensions to 42.8 cm and 41.5 cm. The practice of further cutting down instruments during the 19th and 20th centuries have left very few intact. This beautiful viola was reduced to its current body length of 40.3 cm. The sound evokes a world of beauty and complexity that is absolutely unique. It formed part of a quartet of instruments owned by an important London collector, and for the last 30 years has been loaned and played by several top violists.