Giovanni Maria Del Bussetto

History

Sources contain conflicting information regarding the working period of Giovanni Maria Del Bussetto. John Dilworth places his activity circa 1660-1680 in Italy. Conversely, Cecie Stainer states he was a maker of viols in Cremona about 1540-1580, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Valdrighi also places him in the 1540-1580 period, identifying him as one of the first violin makers in Cremona. However, Lütgendorff also points out that genuine labels clearly show the number '16' for the century, and a label published by Grillet supports this. Dilworth notes that Giovanni Maria Del Bussetto claims on his label to be Cremonese, but no evidence of his existence there has been found. Other writers classify him with the Brescian school. Lütgendorff mentions an altviola in the Scheurleer collection with the location Brescia and a date of 1576, which is considered incorrect. George Hart, citing M. Fetis, mentions that Busseto derived his name from Busseto, a borough in the Duchy of Parma, where he was born.

Craft

• Workmanship: John Dilworth describes his work as well-defined, of high quality, but somewhat eccentric in form. He notes a resemblance to Rogeri, with an outline featuring short 'c' bouts and a scroll distinguished by a very deeply cut throat beneath the volute.
• Construction: According to John Dilworth, in construction, there is very little in common with any Cremonese maker.
• Varnish: John Dilworth states that the varnish is very beautiful and consistent with the best of 17th-century Italian work. Cecie Stainer mentions brown varnish, with one example having deep yellow varnish dated 1570. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes the varnish as dark yellow or brown.
• Instrument Characteristics: Cecie Stainer notes his instruments are on a long pattern, decidedly arched, with large sound-holes. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes his violins as highly arched, having a large pattern, and short, wide F-holes.

Influence

• Mentorship: Cecie Stainer states that Giovanni Maria Del Bussetto was said to have taught Andrea Amati. However, John Dilworth notes that there is no obvious candidate for his teacher.

Legacy

• Notable Instruments: A very fine example of his work was in the collection of Lord Menuhin, as noted by John Dilworth. George Hart mentions a viol by this maker, dated 1580, which was found at Milan in 1792.

Further Information

• Label Inscriptions: His label reads 'Gio. Maria del Bussetto / fece in Cremona 1660'.
• Origin: M. Fetis mentions that Busseto derived his name from Busseto, a borough in the Duchy of Parma, where he was born.

Summary

Giovanni Maria Del Bussetto is a historical luthier whose working period is subject to conflicting accounts, with some sources placing him in Cremona between 1540-1580 and others suggesting 1660-1680, despite his labels claiming Cremonese origin. His craftsmanship is noted for being well-defined, high-quality, and somewhat eccentric, resembling Rogeri's work with short 'c' bouts and a deeply cut scroll throat. His instruments feature a long, highly arched pattern with large sound-holes, and are finished with beautiful 17th-century Italian varnish, often dark yellow or brown. While some accounts suggest he taught Andrea Amati, this remains unconfirmed. Notable instruments include a viol from 1580 and a fine example once owned by Lord Menuhin.