Italy's Premio Paganini International Violin Competition commemorates its 70th anniversary with a unique tribute – a 3D-printed replica of the famed Guarneri del Gesù's 'Il Cannone' violin from 1743, notable for its association with Niccolò Paganini, who bestowed it upon Genoa upon his passing.
As a component of diverse initiatives aimed at showcasing Paganini's legacy in Italy, the competition partnered with 3DiTALY, a company proficient in 3D technologies. This collaboration resulted in a meticulous scanning of every facet of the original instrument, which was then utilized to craft a reproduction. The replica, fashioned from white resin and adorned with red nylon strings, not only mirrors the competition's novel emblem but also pays homage to the St George flag.
Beyond its symbolic purpose, the replica serves the purpose of heightening the competition's resonance among a younger Italian audience. Giovanni Panebianco, President of the Premio Paganini, remarked, "This endeavor serves as an additional channel for disseminating Paganini’s artistic essence, both for social objectives and for engaging the youth." He expressed gratitude towards 3DiTALY, the technical sponsor, for their ardent support and credited Matteo Ventricelli for his invaluable strategic and innovative input.
Marco Bucci, Genoa's Mayor, voiced his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to resonate with young individuals. He described the 3D 'Cannone' as an innovative avenue bolstered by modern technologies, capable of touring schools and various corners of the city to narrate Paganini's story in an unconventional manner.
A crucial aspect to note is the technical sponsorship that facilitated this endeavor, stemming from the Competition's collaborative research program. All the data pertaining to the scanning process and the digital replica of the 'Cannone' now stands as an integral facet of Genoa's archival heritage.
For a visual insight into the intricate 3D-printing procedure employed in crafting the replica, refer to the accompanying demonstration.
