Francesco Toto

Luthier

©Francesco Toto Liutaio

From Lecce to Cremona

Francesco's workshop is located in the Barbò-Meroni Palace
He undertook a brief work experience in Berlin
He opened his workshop in August 1997 in Cremona

Francesco Toto has always nurtured an “artistic need”, ever since he was a child. At 18 years old, following this passion, he moved to Cremona with the aim of studying guitar construction. "I came here because in this city there are around 150-180 luthier workshops" he says, "and people from around the world - such as China, Korea and Japan - come to buy their musical instruments. I was in the right place." But Francesco gets bored easily and being a well-known violin maker wasn’t enough for him. So he decided to improve his work thanks to a famous master luthier, Igor Moroder, who taught him something really important: "You can’t be a good violin maker if you don’t know how to play a violin".

Interview

©Francesco Toto Liutaio

©Francesco Toto Liutaio

What is your educational background?: After attending the Institute of Art in Lecce, my hometown, I moved to Cremona to study guitar construction. There, I attended the Stradivari International School of Violin Making. Later, I moved to Germany for a short experience in instrument restoration, and then returned to Cremona, where I opened my workshop.
Did you learn from a master?: Five years ago I met Igor Moroder, a famous master luthier and restorer. He completely changed my vision of the job. For example, he taught me a new working method. We went to China together, where there are leading musicians who are also our customers.
What is little-known about your work?: My real work starts after I sell an instrument: wood is a living material and requires constant adjustments. A good violin maker should follow his instruments all over the world, because a violin undergoes continuous alterations.
What do you love most about your profession?: We have a big commitment and responsibility towards musicians, because their career depends on the instruments we create. If the sound is not good, a musician might doubt their abilities.

Francesco Toto is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 2000