Raffaele Fiorini

History

Raffaele Fiorini (1828-1898) was born in 1828 in Pianoro, Italy, and passed away in 1898 in Bologna. As a child, he moved with his parents to Bazzano. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, the brother of the violin maker Tadolini provided him with his initial instruction there. Cecie Stainer elaborates that this Tadolini, from Modena, was the brother of a violin maker and, recalling his brother's methods, crafted small violins to entertain young Raffaele, who soon became interested and sought to assist. Raffaele Fiorini gradually acquired knowledge and experience. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the establishment of his workshop; Lütgendorff states he founded his own workshop in 1861, while John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer indicate he went to Bologna in 1867 to work seriously for several years, ultimately opening his own workshop in the Palazzo Peppoli there. He was regarded as one of the more accomplished Italian violin makers of the last third of the 19th century, as noted by Lütgendorff.

Craft

• General Style: His work was deeply rooted in the classical tradition, characterized by fine craftsmanship and great flair, according to John Dilworth.
• Instrument Focus: Violins produced by Fiorini are outnumbered by his cellos, and a few violas are also known.
• Varnish: He utilized a deep red-brown varnish.

Influence

• Early Training: Raffaele Fiorini received his first instruction from the brother of the violin maker Tadolini in Bazzano, as detailed by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer. John Dilworth notes he encountered the Tadolini brothers, who were amateur violin makers.
• Workshop Influence: His workshop in Bologna became a focal point for violin makers in the Emilia Romagna region.
• Notable Employees: Several significant makers were employed in his workshop, including A. Pollastri, C. Candi, A. Monterumici, and his son Giuseppe.

Legacy

• Family Continuity: His son, Giuseppe Fiorini, worked in his workshop.
• Business Continuation: After his death, his widow continued the business under the firm name "Fiorini Conjugi" at Via Clavature 14 D. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also mentions the existence of a firm "F. Fratelli."

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Raffaele Fiorini established his workshop in the Palazzo Peppoli in Bologna from 1867.
• Label Example: An example of his labeling includes "Fiorini Raffaele / Bononiensis / fecit anno 1894."

Summary

Raffaele Fiorini (1828-1898) was an influential Italian violin maker born in Pianoro and active in Bologna. He received early instruction from the brother of the violin maker Tadolini in Bazzano. Establishing his workshop in Bologna's Palazzo Peppoli, he became a prominent figure in the Emilia Romagna region, employing notable makers like A. Pollastri and his son Giuseppe. Fiorini's work is characterized by its classical tradition, fine craftsmanship, and deep red-brown varnish, with cellos being more numerous than his violins. His widow continued his business after his passing.