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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Made In Italy: Strings Attached, Four Seasons of an Italian Violin by Thomas Walter Kelley traces the “mia visione," or imagined early history of a Ceruti violin crafted around 1810 in Cremona, Italy, and its journey to the United States by 1901. Kelley draws on deep violin expertise and personal experiences, like visits to Venice’s musical venues, museums, and Vivaldi’s legacy, to envision the violin’s life before acquisition. The book interweaves stories of figures like Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, Antonio Vivaldi, Niccolò Paganini, and Cheri, Kelley’s violinist wife, who plays the Ceruti professionally. Kelley details the violin’s appraisal by William Moennig & Son, its gift to the Louisville Orchestra, and the couple’s eventual purchase to keep it in the family. Throughout, Kelley includes slices of life on musical mentorship, restoration, and balancing artistry with family.
Thomas Walter Kelley’s Made In Italy offers a richly detailed and wonderful look into the world of historic Italian violins and their careful preservation. Kelley’s clear and thoughtful writing style brings to life his and his wife’s journey to acquire a rare Ceruti violin, intertwined with fascinating visits to places like the Museo del Violino in Cremona. His explanations about the delicate balance between restoration and preservation provide valuable context for readers on musical heritage. The book also benefits from Kelley’s collaboration with expert Philip Kass, especially to me as a reader who knows almost nothing about appraisals. Beyond the technical aspects, Kelley’s portrayal of life in Italy and the emotional ties to these instruments make the book enjoyable to a broad audience, not just violin enthusiasts. Overall, this is an informative and warmly told account that celebrates the artistry and enduring legacy of Cremonese violin-making.
