The Double Bass,
Joseph Gagliano, 1774
A historic instrument of the Neapolitan lutherie school of the 18th century, with original documentation preserved at the Archivio Storico del Banco di Napoli.
History & provenance
The double bass is attributed to Joseph Gagliano, son of Nicola Gagliano and nephew of Gennaro Gagliano, a prominent figure of the renowned Neapolitan lutherie school of the 18th century.
The instrument was made in 1774, during the period of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, commissioned by an educational institution based in Catania, on Via Crociferi. The commission included a complete string quartet.
The transfer of the instrument from Naples to Catania is documented by a departure bill and an arrival bill — elements of particular relevance for historical traceability — preserved at the Archivio Storico del Banco di Napoli.
The history of this instrument
Commissioned in Naples
The instrument was made in Naples, commissioned by an educational institution in Catania, on Via Crociferi, as part of a complete string quartet.
Transfer to Catania
The transfer from Naples to Catania is documented by departure and arrival bills, in accordance with the administrative practices of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Commissioning Institution
Kept at the commissioning institution until its closure; subsequently acquired by the last teacher of the school.
Maestro Vincenzo Calamita
Purchased by Maestro Vincenzo Calamita, principal double bass of the Teatro Bellini in Catania.
Prof. Tony Del Coco
Transferred to the current owner, Prof. Tony Del Coco, member of the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano and pupil of Maestro Calamita.
Current Location
The instrument is currently located in Milan. Historical documentation is preserved at the Archivio Storico del Banco di Napoli.
Instrument specifications
Double Bass
A bowed string instrument of the bass family, built in Naples in 1774 by the Neapolitan lutherie school.
Joseph Gagliano
Son of Nicola and nephew of Gennaro Gagliano, a prominent figure of the renowned Neapolitan lutherie school of the 18th century.
Year 1774
Made during the period of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, commissioned by an educational institution in Catania.
Naples
City of construction, home of the renowned Gagliano lutherie school in the 18th century.
Year of construction
1774
Documentation
Banco di Napoli
Part of a
String Quartet
Current location
Milan
Gallery
Contact the owner
If you are interested in this Joseph Gagliano double bass from 1774 or wish to learn more about its history and documentation, please get in touch.
About the instrument
This Joseph Gagliano double bass from 1774 is an instrument of rare historical and musicological value, accompanied by original documentation preserved at the Archivio del Banco di Napoli.
Location
Milan, Italy
Current location of the instrument
Phone
+39 0372 000000“A double bass of this history is not merely a musical instrument: it is a living document of the Neapolitan lutherie heritage of the 18th century.”