THE ERA OF THE STRADIVARI
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The era of Stradivari
Stradivari’s violins are renowned for their exceptional tone quality, beauty and rarity, and are considered by many to be the ultimate expression of the art of violin making. Stradivari produced approximately 1.100 instruments, including violins, violas and cellos.
His instruments are known for their distinctive design features, such as the elongated, narrow “f” holes, the elegant scrollwork and the fluted edges of the top plate. They are famous for their unique and powerful sound, which is said to be both sweet and powerful, and for their exceptional playability.
Stradivari violins are also known for their rarity and value. According to the Stradivarius Society, which maintains a registry of Stradivari’s instruments, there are approximately 650 Stradivarius in the world today. Of these, the vast majority are violins, some 500 of them. Other instruments include cellos, violas, guitars and harps.
The secret of Stradivari’s success as a violin maker has been the subject of much speculation and study over the years. While there is no definitive answer, several theories have been proposed to explain the exceptional quality of his instruments.
One theory is that Stradivari had access to wood that was superior to that used by other violin makers of his time. Some researchers believe that the wood may have come from trees exposed to extreme temperatures, which would have made them denser and more resonant.
Another theory is that Stradivari had a unique varnish recipe that he used to finish his instruments. It is thought that this varnish may have played a role in the tone of his violins, which are known for their warmth and depth.
Some experts have also suggested that Stradivarius’ skill as a craftsman was simply unparalleled. It is said that he spent many years perfecting his techniques and that he was particularly adept at carving the delicate curves and contours of the violin.
Ultimately, the secret of Stradivari’ success may be a combination of all of these factors, as well as others that we may never guess. What is clear, however, is that his violins are among the most revered and sought-after instruments in the world, and that their sound continues to captivate and inspire musicians to this day.
Stradivari’s violins are among the most sought-after instruments in the world, and their value can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as age, condition, provenance and sound quality.
In general, Stradivari’s violins are considered among the most valuable instruments in the world and some have sold for tens of millions of dollars at auctions. For example, in 2011, a Stradivarius known as “Lady Blunt” sold for $15.9 million, making it the most expensive musical instrument ever sold at the time. Other notable Stradivarius include the “Molitor” (sold for $3.6 million in 2010), the “Hammer” (sold for $3.5 million in 2006) and the “Messiah” (estimated to be worth over $20 million, but never sold).
It’s worth noting that the Stradivari violins are valuable not only as collectibles or investments, but also for their exceptional sound quality. Many professional musicians consider them to be the pinnacle of violin making, and they are often used in concerts and recordings by some of the world’s most renowned violinists.
Hi, I’m Maite, this blog’s author, violin teacher and modern/baroque violin specialist. Read more