Domenico Montagnana

The man behind the cello

Domenico Montagnana never left Venice. He started out in the workshop of Matteo Goffriller, then hung his own shingle, Cremona, in the Calle degli Stagneri. The cellos he made there are now some of the most coveted in the world. Not because they're flawless, but because they have a voice you recognise after a single note.

A personal connection

"I first met my Montagnana in a Vienna basement. The man who let me in pulled it out of an old wardrobe. No case, no bag. He played one note and that was that. We talked about the cello all evening, and for three more evenings after that."

Wynand

Wynand bought the cello in 2008 from the grandson of a Viennese violinist who had played it his whole life. Every year, he sends that family a recording of something new he's played on it.

What makes it special

• A broad waist and full lower bouts. Pure Montagnana.
• A dark, velvety tone with a surprising sparkle on top.
• Varnish with hidden depth. Golden brown by day, with a red ember that only shows up under raking light.