The Stradivarius Violin

Exactly how seventeenth-century Italian luthier Antonio Stradivarius made is violins is not completely understood but few luthiers have created instruments which match the tone of his violins. In fact, its unique tone and easy playability are two of the main reasons that Stradivarius violins so highly prized.

About the Maker

Antonio Stradivarius was born about 1644 in Cremona, Italy and died in December 18, 1737. His family had been established in Cremona for five generations and the city itself had been an important violin-maker center for about 100 years. When young, Stradivarius is thought to have been apprenticed in the violin shop of Niccolo Amati, who came from a famous violin-making family. Another apprentice in the shop was Andreas Guarneri who, along with many of his descendants, also went on to make highly sought-after violins. By 1666, Stradivarius was making his own instruments, while still worked in the Amati shop until Amati's death in 1684. At Amati's death, Stradivarius was considered to be the best violin maker in the city, as his reputation had not grown outside of Cremona. In 1667, Stradivarius married Francesca Feraboschi, with whom he had six children. Two of these children, his sons Omobono and Francesco, would grow up to become violin makers themselves. In 1680, the Stradivari family moved into a house at No. 2, Piazza San Domenico, where the famous luthier stayed until his death. At this location, Stradivarius improved violin and cello design. For instance, he lengthened the violin, creating the long Strad model. He also altered the materials used in violin making, utilizing maple for his violins and creating his unique orangish-brown varnish. Conversely, Stradivarius decreased the size of the cello, which was larger than the modern version, to accommodate performers who wanted a more intimate, expressive sound. In 1698, his first wife died. The following year Stradivarius re-married Antonia-Maria Zambelli, with whom he had six more children. Unlike his marriage to his first wife, however, none of children from this marrige would become luthiers.

Stradivarius' golden age of production was from about 1700 to 1725. Violins and cellos from this period are especially expensive and highly prized. After this period his sons had started to create instruments with their father and another worker, Carlo Bergonzi. Such instruments are labelled with the inscription made "under the discipline of Antonio Stradivari." Although still superb, the instruments of this period do not have the same level of quality seen earlier. For instance, some indicate his declining co-ordination and eyesight. Stradivarius continued making instruments up until his death in December of 1737, at the age of 93. Making not only violins but also cellos, harps, guitars, violas, and other stringed instruments, Stradivarius is considered the greatest luthier in the history of instrument making.

About his instruments

Of the 1,100 instruments Stradivarius is thought to have created, about 650 are still in existence. Some of the qualities which make his instruments distinctive include not only their easy playability and rich tone, as stated earlier, but also the ability of the instrument to project its tone over a long distance. This characteristic makes the Stradivarius violins well suited to concert playing. Exactly how Stradivarius created his instruments is unknown. It is known, however, that he used sophisticated geometry and other mathematics in order to create his instruments. He also used certain chemicals like Bianca, potassium silicate and others in his violin production, which helped to give his instruments a unique sound. Most likely, a combination of instrument design, varnish chemistry and materials helped to make his instruments extraordinary. It is also note-worthy that his design model for the violin and interpretation of geometry has been a guide for violin makers centuries after his death. His cello design has also served as a model for luthiers down to the present day.

Price of Stradivarius Instruments

To date, the highest price paid for a Stradivarius at a public auction took place on May 16, 2006 in which an anonymous bidder paid $3,544,000 for a 1707 Stradivarius violin. Like other creations by Stradivarius, this one had been given a nickname, "The Hammer." The nicknames for the Stradivarius instruments often derive from a famous owner or player. Currently, many Stradivarius instruments are owned by foundations, musicians, or organizations.

References:

http://www.stradivariusviolins.org/antoniostradivari.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13852872

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13856203

http://www.guarnieri.com/violin.htm

http://www.artiquesroadshow.com/Stradivarius_Violins.htm

http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/stradv.htm

http://www.stradivariusviolins.org/pricesofstradivariusviolins.html

http://www.bookrags.com/biography/antonio-stradivari/

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1972690