Up to the first half of the nineteenth century, Violin Making in Italy was in a standstill cycle; yet, during the second half of the century, Raffaele Fiorini gave new impulse to it.

Thanks to him, born in Musiano di Pianoro,the luthier's ancient Art was brought back to a new life.

He took by himself several apprentices who, in their turn, continued his tradition with good success during the following century. One can say that today any Bolognese luthier has his roots in this school.

The Masters who will be on display at the exibition are undoubtfully among the best bowed instrument makers of the 20th century in Italy.

Here is a short note about them: Augusto Pollastri, first of this renowned luthier family, started his career as an apprentice in Raffaele Fiorini's studio. Augusto showed a remarkable artistic gift and took the firm responsibility upon himself when Raffaele, at the and of his life, could not manage the workshop. After Raffaele Fiorini's death Augusto Pollastri managed one of the most important luthier's Atelier in Bologna for thirty years, helped also by his brother Gaetano. Augusto's total production was not very high in number, yet it was of an astounding quality and class. Pollastri's instruments are today considered legendary and the model developed by him is one on the most copied in the world, besides the classical ones. In fact the number of fake instruments and imitations one could come across is much greater than the number of originals.

Gaetano, Augusto's brother, continued after his death, reaching very good results too.

Brothers Candi worked in Genoa, yet they are considered Raffaele Fiorini's pupils in all respects; above all, Cesare who gained a distingushed international fame not only in bowed instrument making but also in plucked instruments, refined inlaying and carving.

Some instruments by Armando Monterumici are also shown at the exibition. He was another Bolognese artist who was apprentice in the same workshop during the last years of the 19th century and who deserves to be known better; in fact his production is today quite rare to find.

Giuseppe Fiorini, son of Raffaele, quickly achieved a solid reputation and today he is certainly considered one of the most important Italian violin makers.

Cremona too should be grateful to this scholar who, after fourty years of essays, bought the rest of Stradivari's workshop (shapes, tools, original drawings, models) and donated them upon the city, in order to form a lutherie school which could bring again Italy at the top of the bow intrument making world.

Ansaldo Poggi was Giuseppe Fiorini's favourite pupil. His instruments are among the most sought-after and expensive instruments today on the market. Certainly this is also due to the school he had with Fiorini, to which Poggi, when alive, has always been proud to have been part of.

Last but not least, Otello Bignami, teacher of the greatest part of the professional luthiers now living and working in Bologna; his memory is still very vivid among them who knew him.
The reconstruction of his workshop shall be a true sign of love besides an important educational and historical research.
Goal of this exibition is to examine thoroughlly these Masters' work in their own geographical historical and social context, showing to the townspeople a real treasure of artistic tradition.