Ep 29. Pietro of Mantua Part 2 And the court of intrigue!

In this episode of The Violin Chronicles, the life of Pietro Guarneri, Andrea Guarneri's eldest son, continues as he and his wife Caterina move to Mantua, a culturally rich yet politically tumultuous city. This episode opens a window onto Pietro's daily life, his tasks for the imprudent Duke Ferdinando Carlo, and the socio-political environment of 17th-century Mantua. This episode also explores the impact of European power struggles, particularly the War of the Spanish Succession, on the Guarneri family and Mantuan society. Pietro's craftsmanship, family dynamics, and interactions with the declining ducal court stand at the forefront, offering a rich historical tapestry in which our violin maker despite tough times was making a go of it.