Goffriller, Mattco

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Goffriller, Mattco

Goffriller, Mattco, notable Italian instrument maker; b. Bressanone, c. 1659; d. Venice, Feb. 23, 1742. He settled in Venice in 1685, where he most likely learned his craft from Martin Kaiser whom he succeeded in the business in 1690. Goffriller was the first important master of instrument making in Venice. In addition to his superb cellos, he made remarkable violins and violas.

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire