Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection: A Journey into the World's Finest Stringed Instruments

In the realm of musical instruments, there exist a select few that transcend time, captivating hearts and imaginations with their exquisite craftsmanship and enchanting melodies. These are the masterpieces of stringed instrument making, created by the hands of legendary luthiers and played by virtuoso musicians throughout the ages.

Among these exceptional instruments, five violins and one cello stand out as shining examples of enduring perfection. They have witnessed the evolution of music, survived centuries of wear and tear, and continue to inspire awe in musicians and music lovers alike. Let us embark on a journey to discover their fascinating stories, unravel their secrets, and appreciate their enduring legacy.

Stradivari's Genius: Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection

by Toby Faber

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5257 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	279 pages

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The Messiah Stradivarius (1716)

The Messiah Stradivarius Violin, crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1716. Image courtesy of Tarisio Auctions.

The undisputed crown jewel of violins, the Messiah Stradivarius is a testament to the unmatched craftsmanship of Antonio Stradivari, the Italian master luthier of the 17th and 18th centuries. Crafted in 1716, this violin exudes an aura of elegance and power. Its rich, resonant tone has graced the performances of renowned violinists, including Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter.

The Messiah Stradivarius owes its name to its long association with the English violinist and conductor George Frederick Handel. Handel is believed to have used the violin to perform his masterpiece, Messiah, at the Foundling Hospital in London.

The Lady Blunt Stradivarius (1721)

The Lady Blunt Stradivarius Violin, crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1721. Image courtesy of Tarisio Auctions.

Another masterpiece of Stradivari's Golden Period, the Lady Blunt Stradivarius was crafted in 1721. It is named after the English aristocrat and violinist Anne Blunt, who owned the violin from 1911 until her death in 1960. Known for its exceptional clarity and power, this violin has been played by many of the world's finest violinists, including David Oistrakh, Nathan Milstein, and Isaac Stern.

The Lady Blunt Stradivarius is also notable for its distinctive reddish-brown varnish, which gives it a warm and inviting appearance.

The Vieuxtemps Guarneri (1741)

The Vieuxtemps Guarneri Violin, crafted by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu in 1741. Image courtesy of Tarisio Auctions.

The Vieuxtemps Guarneri is one of the most sought-after and valuable violins in the world. Created by the Italian master luthier Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu in 1741, this violin is renowned for its exquisite workmanship and powerful, expressive voice. It was named after the Belgian violinist Henri Vieuxtemps, who owned the violin from 1866 until his death in 1881.

The Vieuxtemps Guarneri is characterized by its slender build and slightly asymmetrical shape. Its varnish is a rich, golden-brown color, which adds to its overall beauty and elegance.

The Davidoff Stradivarius (1712)

The Davidoff Stradivarius Cello, crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1712. Image courtesy of Tarisio Auctions.

While the majority of our focus has been on violins, we would be remiss not to mention the exceptional Davidoff Stradivarius Cello, crafted in 1712 by the legendary Antonio Stradivari. This cello is one of only 60 surviving Stradivarius cellos, making it extraordinarily rare and valuable. Its rich, resonant tone and superb craftsmanship have made it a favorite among cellists, including Pablo Casals, Jacqueline du Pré, and Yo-Yo Ma.

The Davidoff Stradivarius is named after the Russian cellist Karl Davidoff, who owned the cello from 1867 until his

Stradivari's Genius: Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection

by Toby Faber

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5257 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages

FREE