Sesto Rocchi

History

Sesto ROCCHI (1909-1991) was born on October 4, 1909, in San Polo d'Enza, Italy, and passed away in 1991 in Reggio Emilia. He was both a violinist and a luthier, establishing himself independently in Reggio Emilia after working for Ströbl in Berlin. According to John Dilworth, Rocchi completed approximately 300 instruments, including 10 quartets and one copy of the complete Stradivari 'Medici' quintet.

Craft

• Modelling: Sesto Rocchi employed classical modelling, following the styles of Stradivari and Guarneri.
• Varnish: His instruments featured a deep golden red-orange varnish, described by John Dilworth as quite thick textured. Karel Jalovec notes that he applied a yellow or red varnish.
• Labels: Rocchi used both manuscript and printed labels. An example of a manuscript label reads: 'Sesto Rocchi da S. Polo / fece l'anno 19'. Printed labels include: 'Rocchi Sextus Regiensis-All. / L.Bisiach. Faciebat Anno 1935' and 'Sextus Rocchi / Regiensis fecit 1948 S.R.'
• Exhibitions: He exhibited a violin and a quartet at Cremona in 1937.

Influence

• Mentorship: Sesto Rocchi was a pupil of Gaetano Sgarabotto in Parma and Leandro Bisiach in Milan.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Sesto Rocchi worked in Berlin for Ströbl before establishing his independent workshop in Reggio Emilia.
• Instrument Copies: He notably created a copy of the complete Stradivari 'Medici' quintet.

Summary

Sesto Rocchi (1909-1991) was an Italian luthier and violinist, born in San Polo d'Enza and active in Reggio Emilia. He trained under Gaetano Sgarabotto and Leandro Bisiach, and worked for Ströbl in Berlin. Rocchi is known for producing around 300 instruments, including quartets and a copy of the Stradivari 'Medici' quintet, utilizing classical modelling and a distinctive deep golden red-orange varnish.