Marino Capicchioni

Marino Capicchioni (28 June 1895 – 19 October 1977) was an Italo-Sammarinese musical instrument maker. He spent much of his life working in Rimini, creating beautiful and special instruments that many famous musicians enjoyed playing.

Some of the great musicians who used his instruments included Salvatore Accardo, David Oistrach, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Yehudi Menuhin. These musicians were known around the world for their amazing talent, and they chose Capicchioni’s instruments because they sounded so wonderful.

Capicchioni’s work helped make music even more enjoyable for listeners everywhere. His skill in crafting instruments left a lasting legacy in the world of music.

Biography

Marino Capicchioni was born on 28 June 1895 in Santa Mustiola in the Republic of San Marino. He started his career as a carpenter and woodcarver before making musical instruments. At age 24, he made his first violin.

In 1929, he opened his own workshop in Rimini. He took part in many shows and contests across Italy. In 1931, he won a gold medal at the Padua Exposition, and in 1937, he got a silver medal at a competition in Cremona during the Stradivari Bicentenary.

By 1948, he had made many instruments, including 350 violins, 10 violas, and 20 violoncellos. In the 1940s, his son Mario joined him in the business. The Republic of San Marino honored him by naming a square after him and creating a monument by the sculptor Marina Busignani Reffi.

Analysis of Capicchioni's work

Marino Capicchioni's work can be split into two main periods. In the 1920s and 1930s, he focused on improving his techniques and styles, inspired by famous makers like Stradivari and Guarneri. His work from this time was good, but his unique style wasn’t fully shown yet.

His later “golden period” began in the 1940s and brought him fame. During this time, Capicchioni developed his own special touches, using high-quality materials and unique methods to treat his instruments. His instruments from this period are known for their beautiful sound and are still valued today. One of his quartets is displayed at the Stradivari Museum of Cremona in Rimini.

Some musicians that have owned Capicchioni instruments

Many famous musicians have played instruments made by Marino Capicchioni. Some of these musicians include David Oistrach, Mstislav Rostropovich, Salvatore Accardo, and Yehudi Menuhin. The list includes players of violins, violas, and cellos from different years, showing how Capicchioni’s instruments have been valued by talented musicians around the world.