Giant Violin Floats on Venice’s Grand Canal

“Noah’s Violin”, a giant floating violin by Venetian sculptor Livio De Marchi, makes its maiden voyage for a concert on the Grand Canal and the basin in Venice on September 18, 2021. – Twelve and a half metres of wood, some of it hand-crafted, symbolizing the rebirth of Venice through art, culture and music, said the authors. The floating violin is hosting musicians from the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory playing Vivaldi. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

 

 

 

A 39 foot long violin took its first ride down Venice’s Grand Canal, carrying a string quartet that played one of Antonio Vivaldi’s famous pieces, “Four Seasons”. The giant violin, known as “Noah’s Violin” is a statement piece created by Livio De Marchi, an artist from Venice.

De Marchi conceived this idea during the 2020 lockdown in Italy, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. During what was a dark time for many people in Italy, and around the world, De Marchi wanted to resurrect hope, in a way that highlighted his artistic talents and capabilities. The name “Noah’s Violin” is a nod to the infamous “Noah’s ark” which also was created for the same purpose.

Thus, the violin was created. It is composed of several different kinds of wood, and has a space for a motor so it could travel along the canal. De Marchi chose to create this giant replica of a violin as a way of paying homage to Vivaldi, who was a Venetian himself. The giant violin intentionally ended at the church of La Salute, a church that was created as an offering to the Virgin Mary in exchange for relief from a vicious plague that hit Venice, as well as other regions in Italy. The circumstances mirrored the Coronavirus pandemic today, prompting De Marchi to remind his fellow Venetians that there is an end in sight.

–Mahogany Brim

Mahogany Brim

Source:

gettyimages.com

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