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Unlike elsewhere, the lute-making tradition in Naples
has been on-going uninterruptedly since the early 1700's. Generation
after generation, from the back stage, lute-makers have patiently and diligently contributed with their sweet-sounding and fine-tuned
instruments to the world
renowned achievements of many maestros. Today, from the stages of the
finest orchestras, their handcrafted instruments continue to enchant music lovers
world-wide.
For at least three generations, the Sirleto family has been in the handcrafting business. Sons of the trade the three
brothers Ciro, Riccardo and Fortunato
Sirleto also worked with other well known lute-makers in town. Since 1980, when
they
founded the Liuteria Sirleto, they have been handcrafting string instruments,
particularly in the Neapolitan style.
To handcraft the best instruments, each Master Lute-Maker Sirleto performs several roles: from
choosing the finest wood to making his varnishes and tools, from planning the
instrument in its finest detail to sculpting and chiseling the raw wood to
varnishing and testing the instrument.
For those visiting the Sirleto shop,
hidden away in this small corner of Naples, the testimonials abound of their
success story. In addition to a number of pictures of many American and Japanese musicians, the Sirleto brothers
have received the consensus not only from the R.A.I. Foro Italico Orchestra but
also from several music accademies whom they continue to supply with
the finest handcrafted instruments.
Welcome to Naples and welcome to the Sirleto shop!
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