Plural of 'amato' (an archaic or poetic term for a beloved person or lover); can also refer to the famous Amati family of violin makers.
From Italian 'amato' (beloved, past participle of 'amare,' to love), this word entered English musical vocabulary through the Stradivari-era violin makers of Cremona, Italy.
The Amati violins, made starting in the 1500s, are worth millions today—some say their secret was the wood, others say it was wood-seasoning methods lost to time, but honestly, part of their value is pure romantic mystique.
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