What is the Forest of Violins?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
November 11, 2003
Series: | 1 | | 2 |
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading—>Click here.
Assorted Killer Savings Garden Links—>Click here.
Killer Picks: Wollemi Pine, greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century—>Click here.
Kashmiri Floral Wool Jacket, Pearl and Garnet Earrings, Tapestry Suede Tote—>Click here.
Men's Alpaca Sweater, National Geographic Bolivian Leather Travel Briefcase—>Click here.
In the 1530s, Andrea Amati of Cremona started something, dynasties of superior craftsmen. Amati was a woodworker, more specifically, a luthier, a maker of stringed instruments—violins. Violin in the late Renaissance referred to the family of instruments—treble or modern violin, viola, cello, contrabass, and guitars.
Amati's skill was appreciated by Charles IX, he was made the luthier for the French court. His craft passed to his sons, Antonio and Hieronymus, and his grandson, Nicolo, the son of Hieronymus. Nicolo in turn taught the expertise to his apprentices, Antonio Stradivari (Stradivarius) and Andrea Guarneri.
The violin is a direct descendent of the Renaissance fiddle. The modern violin consists of seventy individual pieces and has four strings: E, A, D, and G. The body of the violin is the sound chamber—a back, ribs, and belly with two sinuous F holes. Under the E string, a sound post connects the back to the belly.
In his lifetime, Stradivari made 1,116 instruments—harps, violas, cellos, guitars, and violins. Guarneri is thought to have made around 270 instruments; his grandson, Joseph (Guarnerius del Gesu) made only treble violins, about 250, before his untimely death. For the most part, the Cremona instruments had a back and ribs made of maple (Acer species) and a belly of spruce (Picea species). But the craftsmen's secrets—how the wood was aged, treated to prevent woodworms, and varnished—are educated speculation.
The Cremona violins, each unique, set the standard for the world. The wood for the instruments was local, growing in shadow of the Dolomites, the mountains that were once an ancient bed of coral. It is said Stradivari walked la Foresta dei Violini, the forest of violins, seeking the abeti di risonanza, the firs of resonance.
(Compiled from: "Antonio Stradivari", Elizabeth Lorkin, Catholic Encyclopedia; "Violins", Encyclopedia Smithsonian, Smithsonian Institution and Italy, Eyewitness Travel Guides, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London, 1996)
The State Forest of Paneveggio encompasses La Foresta dei Violini where the Cremona luthiers got their fine resonant spruce wood. To learn more about the Parco Naturale Paneveggio, click on the link:
http://www.parks.it/parco.paneveggio.pale.s.martino/Eindex.html
Series: | 1 | | 2 |
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What is a woodworm? Renfield's Garden - November 12, 2003
What are ambrosia galleries? Renfield's Garden - November 5, 2003
What hardwood tree has no growth rings? Weird Plants - July 11, 2002
What is the Forest of Violins? Plants that Changed History - November 11, 2003
Killer Savings Links: Breck's Bulbs -$25 off—>Click here.
Gurney's Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Henry Fields Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Spring Hill Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Michigan Bulb -$20 off—>Click here.
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Kashmiri Floral Wool Jacket
National Geographic®
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Centuries ago, Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic cultures met and mingled in Kashmir as artisans from Central Asia and Iran settled in the area. One of the many exquisite arts for which this area is known is the intricate chain stitch called ari, which served as the inspiration for our timeless 100% merino wool jacket.
Rich red and spice-hued flowers on a canvas of black wool are typical of the elegant coverlets and scarves that have been embroidered in Kashmir for centuries.
The flattering fit includes a mandarin collar, embroidered buttons, side pockets, and side slits. Lined. Dry clean. Made in India.
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Woman's sizes S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14), XL (16-18).
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Indian Pearl and Garnet Earrings
National Geographic®
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Often featured in traditional Mughal-era miniature paintings, circular silver earrings have been popular throughout northern India for centuries. Designs featuring forward-facing hoops were especially favored by Rajasthani aristocracy from the 17th through the 19th century.
Reminiscent of the tail of the Indian national bird, the peacock, these traditional sterling silver earrings feature gleaming faceted garnets and cultured freshwater pearls that dangle lightly below the hoop.
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Handmade by artisans in India. Approximately 2 1/2''L.
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Bolivian Tapestry Suede Tote
National Geographic®
Using a centuries-old technique, Bolivian families weave mantas—beautiful woolen textiles in geometric patterns—for use as bedding and apparel.
Today, artisans take pieces of vintage mantas and frame them in soft suede and durable leather to create these beautiful totes. Features zip closure and roomy interior compartment with cell phone and sunglasses pockets.
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As each manta is unique, please expect some variation in color and pattern. Available in Red, Brown and Goldenrod. Handmade in Bolivia.
Handles are 15 1/2'' long. 14''W x 11 3/4''L x 3 1/2''D.
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Bolivian Alpaca Sweater
National Geographic®
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In the Bolivian Andes, talented artisans spin alpaca fiber into a soft and durable yarn, and through their weaving, translate their traditional ancient patterns into contemporary style.
The bright earth tones and patterns of this particularly soft and breathable three-season sweater are adapted from a 3,000-year-old fabric.
Hand wash or dry clean only. Entirely handmade in Bolivia of pure alpaca wool.
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Men's sizes M (38-40), L (42-44), XL (46-48).
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National Geographic Bolivian Leather Travel Briefcase
National Geographic®
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An essential piece of travel luggage, this beautiful artisan-crafted briefcase is made in Bolivia from the finest leather, which is known for its softness and durability.
With a classic design that brings to mind images of 19th-century explorers, the leather will only get better-looking with time.
Features brass hardware, double-reinforced closures, multiple organizer pockets, a secure file pouch, and a detachable carrying strap.
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15''W x 11''H x 5''D
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Wollemi Pine
National Geographic®
Exclusively from National Geographic, this survivor from the age of the dinosaurs is one of the greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century. The Wollemi pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest tree species, belonging to a 200-million-year-old plant family thought to have been extinct for more than two million years.
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Previously known only from fossil records, it was presumed extinct until a single tree was found in the Wollemi National Park, Australia, in 1994. Subsequent research discovered 100 adult trees that have survived in a single canyon in this wild and rugged area.
Click here to view canyon, trees and fossil record.
You can assist in the conservation effort and enjoy the unique opportunity to ensure the continued survival of this rare species by giving the tree as a gift or growing your own. Suitable for indoor container gardening or as a landscape tree in certain areas of the U.S.
Comes with a care manual with the full story about the discovery and fascinating history of the Wollemi pine. Comes in a copper-colored container and will be approximately 10''H when shipped. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these plants will fund ongoing conservation research.
Click here to get your Wollemi Pine and assist in the conservation effort.
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National Geographic Magazine
National Geographic®
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You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership.
Additional benefits include:
- As many as five wall map supplements throughout the year in issues of the magazine
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Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home!
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