The Stradivarius Violin
An in-depth look at one of the world's most coveted instruments
It’s every violinist's dream to own a violin built by the infamous Antonio Stradivari. However, with only around 650 of the instruments surviving today, it can prove rather difficult to acquire one.
Instead, let award-winning violinist Jamie Hutchinson teach you everything you need to know about the coveted instruments; explaining their cost, history, and the secrets that make them so special.
ANTONIO STRADIVARI
Antonio Stradivari is the most distinguished craftsman of the Violin. He was born in 1644 and established his legendary workshop in Cremona, Italy. He worked until he died in 1737.
Stradivari made over 1,000 violins, violas and cellos, and was even commissioned to create pieces by King James II and King Charles III of Spain. Around 650 of these instruments have survived today.
His golden period, where the finest of his works were crafted, is said to be a 25 year stint from 1700–1725.
Real or fake?
Thousands of instruments have been made in tribute to Stradivari, copying his model and bearing labels that read ‘Stradivarius.’ Consequently, sporting one of these labels has no real bearing on whether the instrument is a genuine work of Stradivari himself.
The label on the instrument (both real and fake) uses the Latin inscription ‘Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno [date]’. This inscription indicates the maker (Antonio Stradivari), the town (Cremona), and ‘made in the year’, followed by a date that is either printed or handwritten.
Why are they so special?
There is still debate around why Stradivari violins sound superior to modern-day instruments.
In 2003, scientists from Columbia and Tennessee universities claimed that the reduced solar activity in the 17th Century might be the reason for the Strad sound. They suggested the colder winters and cooler summers produced slower tree growth, which led to thicker wood with better acoustic properties.
In 2006, a different researcher from the USA said they believed a Strad created its distinct sound from a chemical treatment designed to kill fungi and woodworm.
Other theories
Over the years, there have been many different theories. It has been argued that Stradivari used wood from ancient churches, then treating the material with a plethora of secret ingredients. Some have focused on the type of varnish used on the instruments. But most violin-makers today are unimpressed by the theories. They simply put the quality down to the pure genius and craftsmanship of Stradivari.
The most expensive violin ever sold
The most expensive Violin ever sold is the Vieuxtemps Guarneri. The instrument was sold for $16 million; it has been loaned to violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the rest of her life. This instrument — not made by Stradivari but by Guarneri del Jesu, gained its name after being owned by the Belgian 19th-century violinist Henri Vieuxtemps.
