by Aurora Anello
At number 30 of via Pont’Alba, in Naples, stands the Anema e Corde workshop. For twenty-three years, the passion for the craft has vibrated in the strings of Salvatore Mancino, a 44-year-old from Monte di Procida who, together with his brother Pasquale, specializes in the production of high-quality and refined bowed and plucked instruments. Tradition is their reference, the search for innovation is their guide. Anema e Corde will be among the guests of the new edition of Cremona Musica International Exhibitions and Festival.
You opened your shop more than twenty years ago: what drove you to take up the path of violin making at such a young age?
The passion for craftsmanship was passed on to us during childhood by our father. We started by restoring furniture and design objects and then obtained two qualifications: a diploma in Furniture and supplies and then a degree in Sculpture. The discovery of violin making occurred around the age of twenty through courses that made us fall in love with this ancient profession. Continuing to study we met violin makers from all over the world, but always keeping a careful eye on our roots, because it was our desire to add a Neapolitan touch to our instruments.
In your production, you also make mandolas and mandoloncellos. Are they popular instruments? Who are the artists who play them and what kind of repertoire are they intended for?
Mandolin, mandolo and mandoloncello are the equivalents of violin, viola and cello. The peculiarity of the mandoloncello is that it is made up of 5 “choirs” – the name given to its strings – instead of 4. There are many artists who play them: to name two, the Genoese Carlo Aonzo and the Neapolitan Salvatore Della Vecchia. With the mandolin they create wonders. They are very versatile instruments: they are used for genres ranging from popular music to classical, from jazz to light music.
What can the public find at your stand at the fair?
This year we will present many instruments: mandolins, some violins – including one from our dear friend, the luthier Vincenzo Anastasio – a cello, some guitars and, if it is ready in time, we will also bring a double bass. It will be difficult, but we will try!
