May 20th marks an important occasion for the local community, as it celebrates the birthday of Gasparo da Salò, a historical luthier regarded as the inventor of the modern violin. Born in 1540, Gasparo Bertolotti left an indelible mark on the history of music through his mastery of the craft of violin making. His birth date was confirmed in the 1940s by Anton Maria Mucchi, who conducted extensive archival research. His work influenced not only the musical production of his time but also the evolution of string instruments.
Gasparo moved to Brescia in 1562, where he honed his techniques and began exporting his instruments to various European countries. His workshop attracted students such as Giovan Paolo Maggini and Jacopo Lanfranchini. Despite controversies regarding the authorship of the four-string violin, many scholars agree that his contribution preceded and surpassed that of other contemporary luthiers. His violins, known for their craftsmanship and the fine materials used, represent some of the oldest existing examples today.
