Recovery and conservation of the Guarneri "del Gesù" violin (1743) known as "Cannone"

Genoa, 14 October 2004, Berio Civic Library

2004 was for Genoa, European Capital of Culture a year rich in events and cultural programming, focusing principally on the city's strengths. On a cultural level, one of these strengths is without a doubt Paganini.

For this reason I am particularly happy to see Paganini's name linked to a coordinated series of events and cultural initiatives: the violin competition, the "Premio Paganini", that in 2004 celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the "Paganiniana" Festival aimed at showcasing young talent as well as offering an array of prestigious names from the international panorama of the world of music, and for exploring in-depth topics related to Paganini.

In the area of the 2004 edition of the "Paganiniana" , special space was thus given to the study of this musical genius and the world of violinmaking. In fact, the City of Genoa is the custodian of Paganini’s violin made by Guarneri "del Gesù" in 1743. The team of experts who currently are responsible for the preservation of this instrument worked to present a new image of the ‘Cannone’ that is more faithful to its illustrious history. The choice that was made was that of restoring Pagnini's instrument, part of the cultural heritage of our city and symbol of innovation with respect for tradition, to its antique splendor.

This work done is the result of an in-depth study that brought together the major experts in the field on an international level, some of whom are present here and who had the full support of the Office of Artistic and Historical Assets of the Region of Liguria. It is above all the fruit of harmonious teamwork, starting with the violinmaker and restorer Bruce Carlson, assisted by Alberto Giordano and Pio Montanari for the research and during the restoration work, and by the violinist - curator Mario Trabucco for checking and verification. The ‘Cannone’ as it has thus been "rehabilitated" is exhibited in the new Paganiniana Collection within the Town Hall of the City of Genoa in Palazzo Tursi, part of the Museums of Strada Nuova. In the collection there are also other relics related to Paganini of notable historical interest as well as the "Vuillaume" violin that Paganini himself gave to his favorite pupil, Camillo Sivori.

The public can thus admire the violin that for reasons of conservation is exhibited in its renewed attire, in conditions that are as faithful as possible to how it was found when it was entrusted to the City of Genoa in 1851.