Lorenzo Storioni, luthier of Cremona: quick facts
Lorenzo Storioni was a Cremonese luthier active in the late 18th century and is frequently described as the last great maker of the classical Cremonese school. Working after the deaths of Stradivari and Guarneri 'del Gesù', he made vigorous, individual instruments without directly copying his predecessors, using simpler materials as the great era waned. His violins and violas are valued for their strong tone and are sought by players. Storioni's career marks the close of Cremona's golden centuries; after him the unbroken tradition that produced Stradivari faded, even though violin making continued and was later revived in the city.
Sources: Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments; Library of Congress — Stradivari instruments / Whittall Collection; W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill & Alfred E. Hill — 'Antonio Stradivari: His Life and Work (1644–1737)'; The Metropolitan Museum of Art — musical instruments collection. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.