The Guarneri del Gesù 1745 “Leduc” is one of the last masterpieces created by Giuseppe Guarneri, crafted during the final year of his life. By this time, del Gesù’s style had become fiercely individual—his violins showing bold outlines, deep ribs, and a rugged character that defied convention. The “Leduc” bears all these traits, with a strikingly dark varnish and powerful form that distinguish it as one of the most dramatic and expressive instruments of the Cremonese school.
The violin’s name comes from a 19th-century French owner, but its greatest fame arrived in the hands of the legendary Yehudi Menuhin, who played it for several years before it passed to other collectors and performers. The “Leduc” has often been admired for its dark, sonorous tone, capable of great depth and passion, yet also refined enough to sing with elegance. Its voice is sometimes described as embodying del Gesù’s very spirit—untamed, commanding, and profoundly human.
Because it was built so late in del Gesù’s career, the “Leduc” is often seen as a culminating statement of his artistry. It stands as both a work of bold experimentation and a testament to his genius, reminding us how Guarneri del Gesù, alongside Stradivari, reshaped the possibilities of the violin. Today, the 1745 “Leduc” remains one of the most important and fascinating violins ever made, carrying forward the enduring legacy of Cremona’s golden age.
The Guarneri del Gesù 1745 “Leduc” is one of the last masterpieces created by Giuseppe Guarneri, crafted during the final year of his life. By this time, del Gesù’s style had become fiercely individual—his violins showing bold outlines, deep ribs, and a rugged character that defied convention. The “Leduc” bears all these traits, with a strikingly dark varnish and powerful form that distinguish it as one of the most dramatic and expressive instruments of the Cremonese school.
The violin’s name comes from a 19th-century French owner, but its greatest fame arrived in the hands of the legendary Yehudi Menuhin, who played it for several years before it passed to other collectors and performers. The “Leduc” has often been admired for its dark, sonorous tone, capable of great depth and passion, yet also refined enough to sing with elegance. Its voice is sometimes described as embodying del Gesù’s very spirit—untamed, commanding, and profoundly human.
Because it was built so late in del Gesù’s career, the “Leduc” is often seen as a culminating statement of his artistry. It stands as both a work of bold experimentation and a testament to his genius, reminding us how Guarneri del Gesù, alongside Stradivari, reshaped the possibilities of the violin. Today, the 1745 “Leduc” remains one of the most important and fascinating violins ever made, carrying forward the enduring legacy of Cremona’s golden age.
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