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Contreras Violin

José Contreras Violin (Madrid), 1741. Photo by Rafael Vargas. Barcelona Music Museum.

 

José Contreras Violin (Madrid), 1741. Photo by Rafael Vargas. Barcelona Music Museum.

 

Born in Granada in 1710 and settling in Madrid in the year 1737, the luthier, Jose Contreras had direct knowledge of Stradivari, Guarneri and Amati violins, which led him to make violins with their same characteristic powerful warm sound. Known by the name of “El Granadiño” for his birthplace, he worked at the Royal Court in Madrid and is considered the best Spanish luthier of all times.

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