Scientists at ESRF (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility), the European synchrotron in Grenoble, have analyzed one of the world's most famous violins, examining every detail.
X-ray microtomography, originally developed for paleontology, offered, for the duration of a weekend (March 9 and 10, 2024), the possibility of going back in time. Thanks to the performance of the new ESRF-EBS synchrotron, which, since its commissioning in August 2020, offre experimental performances at least 100 times greater than before, this technique made it possible to reconstruct a complete 3D image of "Il Cannone", the favorite violin of the virtuoso Niccolò Paganini, right down to the level of the wood's cellular structure, with the possibility of zooming in locally anywhere in the violin, down to the micrometer scale!
Manufactured in 1743, this violin - one of the most famous in the world - has thus been laid bare, mapped from all sides, with its ancient repairs brought to light. The project was initiated by the Municipality of Genoa, Italy, and the organizers of the Premio Paganini international violin competition, who wanted an in-depth scientific analysis of the violin's behavior in different situations, afin order to better preserve and understand this precious historical artifact. Paganini had a special relationship, marked by a true symbiosis, with what he called "my cannon", due to its acoustic prowess. Given his attachment to his instrument, Niccolò Paganini bequeathed the " Cannone "to his native Genoa, "afin that it may be perpetually preserved." Since 1851, the violin has been kept in the Palazzo Tursi, the seat of Genoa's municipal government. Only the winner of the Premio Paganini international violin competition, held every two years in Genoa, is allowed to use it.
"ESRF's mission is to serve the scientists of our member countries and the international community by enabling cutting-edge studies of the structure of materials, from the atomic to the macroscopic scale. The present study of "Il Cannone" is a wonderful example of the progress that ESRF's non-destructive 3D imaging techniques are making possible in understanding the making of this precious artifact, a key step towards its conservation for future generations."says Francesco Sette, General Manager of ESRF.
When science and technology serve culture
Already called upon to analyze ancient papyri and master paintings, ESRF is once again advancing knowledge with the 3D reconstruction of this violin.
"The microtomographic research undertaken at ESRF represents one of the most important events in the second life of 'Il Cannone'; for us curators, working with such a team of scientists and with such fantastic equipment is an unforgettable experience. It's a starting point for a better understanding of this unique but still mysterious violin, say Bruce Carlson and Alberto Giordano, curators of the "Il Cannone" violin.
"This fantastic experiment, at the crossroads of science, music and history, opens up new possibilities for studying the conservation of ancient musical instruments of cultural interest."explains Luigi Paolasini, ESRF scientist and project leader.
Synchrotron scientists are confident that they will be able to work on much larger instruments, up to the size of double basses, within the next few months.
Photo taken from the ESRF website.