Giuseppe Odoardi

History

Giuseppe Odoardi (1746-after 1786) was born in Poggio di Bretta, Ascoli, Italy, and was known as 'Il Vilano d'Ascoli' (the peasant of Ascoli). According to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was traditionally said to be self-taught, although his labels refer to his father Antonio, which was likely for personal identification rather than indicating Antonio was an instrument maker. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart notes that Antonio Odoardi was a versatile dilettante. Sources contain conflicting information about his life span; Galeazzi (1791) and Cecie Stainer in A Dictionary of Violin Makers state he died at about 28 years old, having made around 200 violins, but Lütgendorff explicitly states this age of death is incorrect, and that his birth time is often given a century too early. Giuseppe Odoardi did have a nephew, also named Antonio, who is recorded as a luthier.

Craft

• Models: Giuseppe Odoardi made both a high-arched model, derived from Stainer, and a flatter model.
• Workmanship: The flatter model exhibited noticeably plainer workmanship and materials, yet its design provides a better sound for modern players and is highly sought after.
• Design: There is a noticeable resemblance to Montagnana in the modeling, featuring elegantly curving soundholes, though the scroll is often described as a little crude and unfinished.
• Materials: Materials were generally modest, with some examples featuring backs made of plane tree wood.
• Varnish: The varnish was of a relatively thin consistency, appearing golden-brown or orange in color, though Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also describes it as yellow-brown or dark brown.
• Output: Galeazzi and Cecie Stainer reported that he made approximately 200 violins, although Valdrighi found a violin from 1784, numbered 149, which was not exceptionally good.

Influence

• Training: Giuseppe Odoardi was traditionally said to be self-taught, with sources like Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer noting he developed into an excellent violin maker without a teacher.
• Stylistic Influences: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that some of his works show the influence of Mariani and Sacchini.

Legacy

• Reputation: Cecie Stainer notes that his violins are much sought after in Italy.
• Misuse of Name: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff warns that his name is often misused and affixed to various old violins.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His workshop was located in Poggio di Bretta, Ascoli, Italy.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Joseph Odoardi Asculi, 1779", "Joseph Odoardi fecit in Piceno / prope Asculum, An 1786 / De ligno Plattuae", and "Joseph Odoardi filius Antonii / Fecit prope Asculum 1781".

Summary

Giuseppe Odoardi (1746-after 1786), known as 'Il Vilano d'Ascoli', was an Italian luthier from Poggio di Bretta, Ascoli. Traditionally considered self-taught, he developed into an excellent violin maker, creating both high-arched models influenced by Stainer and flatter models with a Montagnana-like design. Despite using modest materials and a thin, golden-brown varnish, his flatter models are highly sought after for their sound. While his lifespan has been subject to conflicting accounts, his violins remain popular in Italy, though his name is often misused on other instruments.