Simone Fernando Sacconi

History

Simone Fernando SACCONI (1885-1974) was born in Rome in 1885 and died in 1974 in Point Lookout, New York, USA. Sources contain conflicting information about his birth year, with Karel Jalovec stating 1895. He was a pupil of Giuseppe Rossi from 1903 and also worked with Giuseppe Fiorini. Sacconi established himself independently in Rome from 1912. After military service between 1916 and 1918, he was appointed luthier to the San Cecilia Academy in 1925. He emigrated to the USA in 1931 to work for Emil Herrmann and later joined Rembert Wurlitzer's shop in 1951. He is considered by some to be the greatest luthier of the 20th century, mentoring many distinguished craftsmen in fine restoration work. A great number of Stradivari and other fine Italian works passed through his hands, benefiting immensely from his dedicated and thoughtful restoration. His activities as a maker were quite restricted once he was in New York.

Craft

• Making Style: Most instruments were made as close copies of individual Stradivari works.
• Varnish: He applied orange-yellow or brown varnish of beautiful lustre.
• Output: Up to 70 violins, 12 violas, and 16 cellos are recorded, with most of these made in Italy.
• Later Work: From 1941, his new instruments were made in Point Lookout, New York, which was also the place of his retirement.
• Branding: Some instruments were branded on the lower rib with 'Fernando Sacconi, Roma' or 'Fernando Sacconi / fece, Roma. Anno 1925' or 'Simone Fernando Sacconi / fece in New York anno 1947'.

Influence

• Training: He was a pupil of Giuseppe Rossi from 1903.
• Mentorship: He mentored many other distinguished craftsmen in fine restoration work.

Legacy

• Publications: His book I 'Segreti' di Stradivari, published in Cremona in 1972, is considered the most important technical work on the subject of Stradivari's methods.
• Honors: He was made an Honorary Citizen of Cremona in 1972.
• Exhibitions: A Loan Exhibition was held in New York in 1966 to honor his 70th birthday, and its published catalogue is an important source.
• Notable Users: His instruments were much in favor with active artists, including the violinist Arrigo Serato and the 'cellist Arturo Bonucci.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He worked independently in Rome from 1912, and from 1941, his new instruments were made in Point Lookout, New York.
• Appointments: He was appointed luthier to the San Cecilia Academy in 1925.
• Branding Examples: 'Fernando Sacconi, Roma', 'Fernando Sacconi / fece, Roma. Anno 1925', 'Simone Fernando Sacconi / fece in New York anno 1947'.