Fernando Salvatore Lima

Biography

Fernando Salvatore Lima: Master Violin Maker

Born in 1962, Fernando Salvatore Lima is a master violin maker whose exquisite craftsmanship and deep passion for music have established him as one of the finest artisans in Cremona, Italy. His workshop, located at Via Solferino 32 in the heart of this historic city, serves as a sanctuary for the art of violin making.

A Journey of Artistry and Skill

From an early age, Fernando displayed an extraordinary affinity for music and the visual arts, coupled with remarkable manual dexterity. This innate talent led him to pursue formal training at the prestigious Antonio Stradivari School of Violin Making in Cremona, where he graduated with the highest honors. This rigorous education provided him with a strong foundation in both traditional techniques and innovative approaches to instrument crafting.

Craftsmanship and Materials

Fernando’s commitment to excellence is evident in every instrument he creates. He meticulously selects the finest, well-seasoned woods, sourced from carefully curated collections amassed over many years. His wood choices, often influenced by the practices of the old masters, contribute significantly to the tonal richness and aesthetic appeal of each piece.

His varnish, a proprietary recipe developed through years of experimentation, is renowned for its beauty and transparency. It not only enhances the visual qualities of the instruments but also plays a critical role in the sound production, allowing for the full resonance of the wood to emerge.

Sound Quality and Playability

Fernando’s violins, violas, and cellos are celebrated for their exceptional sound quality. The tonal balance and responsiveness of his instruments are hallmarks of his craft. Musicians often remark on the sweet, warm sound that characterizes his creations, along with a quick response that allows for effortless modulation and expression.

His instruments resonate with a complexity reminiscent of the great Italian violins of the past, providing players with an unparalleled musical experience.

Inspiration from the Masters

Drawing inspiration from legendary Cremona masters such as Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, Fernando seeks to embody their spirit of innovation and artistry in his own work. His dedication to research and refinement ensures that each instrument not only honors the traditions of the past but also meets the evolving needs of modern musicians.

Recognition and Impact

Fernando’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. He has participated in numerous prestigious international exhibitions, garnering acclaim from musicians and collectors alike. His instruments are not only celebrated for their playability and sound but are also viewed as significant investments due to their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

In addition to his hands-on work, Fernando has contributed to the violin-making community as a member of the jury for the ANLAI International Competition for Violin Makers in Italy, from 2021 to

2024. His role in this esteemed competition underscores his influence and commitment to advancing the art of violin making.

Legacy and Vision

Through his dedication to the craft, Fernando Salvatore Lima continues to create instruments that are not only musical companions but also treasured works of art. Each violin, viola, and cello he produces reflects his unwavering pursuit of perfection, making a lasting impact on the world of music and the lives of the musicians who play them. His work embodies the essence of the “Excellence of Sound,” a promise fulfilled from the very first note played.

Absolutely! The ability of a newly crafted instrument to resonate with the depth and character of a centuries-old Italian masterpiece is a true testament to the skill and artistry involved in its creation. Fernando Salvatore Lima’s commitment to meticulous craftsmanship, quality materials, and an understanding of historical techniques allows his instruments to deliver a sound that rivals that of the greats.

Musicians often express awe at how these fresh creations can produce rich, nuanced tones from the very first play. It’s this magical transformation—where new wood meets the legacy of old masters—that truly captures the essence of Fernando’s work. Each note sung from his instruments not only reflects his dedication to the craft but also connects the past and present, allowing musicians to experience the soul of Italian violin-making in a contemporary context.

This unique quality not only enhances the musicians’ performance but also invites audiences to appreciate the beauty and depth of sound that can emerge from a new instrument, echoing the legacy of its predecessors. It’s a beautiful symbiosis of tradition and innovation!

Fernando Salvatore Lima was born in Santa Maria da Feira in Portugal. As a young man he showed a special gift for music and art in general and his manual skill was already clearly apparent. He crafted his first instrument as he was only 16 and since then he always sought to develop his knowledge of the art of new instrument making and restoration. In order to learn the most sophisticated restoration techniques, he attended various restoration workshops over the years and dedicated himself to the restoration of prestigious instruments.

He travelled to Italy, Germany and England to deepen his knowledge of this precious centuries-old art. His dedication allowed him to seize the essence of the great Italian masters’ crafting art, in particular the Cremonese ones.

His passion for quality lutherie eventually led him to Cremona, where he received a diploma as a Master Violin Maker from the Antonio Stradivari School. He opened his own workshop in Piazza Roma 8, where he currently works.

His determination to achieve a sound similar to that of Guarneri del Gesù, enabled him to buid excellent sounding instruments, which are greatly appreciated by accomplished musicians throughout the world. Today he crafts copies of Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù instruments, following the great Cremones masters’ traditional crafting methods.

He works with passion and dedication in order to make the highest quality instruments with the finest sound and exquisite beauty.