The Nicolò Amati Baroque violin from 1643, which I have had on loan from the Musical Instrument Fund since 2018, is perhaps one of the most beautiful instruments I have ever held in my hands. It possesses that rare quality found in many of the “old Italians” from the Cremonese golden age; the listener’s attention is drawn above all by the noble quality of the sound, rather than by its volume, although it can still be heard clearly in every corner of the hall. It’s a violin that invites me to explore an endless variety of tonal nuances, and it never fails to inspire me. I hope to be able to play it for a very long time to come!
