Vincenzo Lo Turco was an Italian maker who worked mainly in Rio de Janeiro. There is evidence that part of his history there included teaching his craft to the Pascoli brothers, Guido and Benvenuto, who became famous themselves. Lo Turco was considered a fine maker, although his output was not enormous: very few Lo Turco instruments (all of them violins) have even passed through auction houses. Testimony from players of his instruments give them high marks. The cello in our collection may be rare as we have not yet been able to find evidence of another one. This cello has been performed on extensively by professional players. The richness and fullness of its sound are stunning as well as powerful, and it is very even from low C to notes on the A string near the end of the fingerboard. It is in very good condition other than some varnish nicks acquired during many hours of practice and performing. Because he worked in Rio, Lo Turco’s instruments do not carry an Italian price tag: so it is an opportunity to own a 100 year old, potentially important, and terrific sounding cello at a very reasonable cost. It is interesting to think what the price might be had LoTurco made this exact cello in his home country.

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