Wanting to find out more about Stradivarius and his famous violins? Violinist Jamie Hutchinson has just finished a recording session at Abbey Road Studios, and she can tell you about:
- Why violins made by Stradivarius are so expensive
- Where they were made
- How expensive they are
Although Jamie doesn't have a Strad...
… her Violin was still made in Italy around 300-year ago. Enjoy the video, then head over to look at our Beginner’s Guide to the Violin.
Antonio Stradivari
Antonio Stradivari is the most distinguished craftsman of the Violin. He was born in 1644 and established a workshop in Cremona, Italy. He worked until he died in 1737.
He made over 1,000 violins, violas and cellos, and was even commissioned by King James II and King Charles III of Spain. Around 650 of instruments have survived.
His golden period (where the instruments he made were the very best), was over 25 years from 1700-1725.
Why are they so special?
There is still debate about 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, or they even added an unknown ingredient to the wood. 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 of Stradivari.
Stradivari Violins - Real or fake?
Thousands of instruments have been made in tribute to Stradivari, copying his model and bearing labels that read ‘Stradivarius.’ So a label in a violin with the word ‘Stradivarius’ has no 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.
How to tell if your Violin is a real Strad
A violin’s authenticity can only be determined through study of the design, model wood characteristics, and varnish texture. This expertise is developed by examining thousands of instruments. There is no substitute for an experienced eye!
The most expensive violins ever
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. Yehudi Menuhin and Itzhak Perlman have also used it.
But if this article is about Stradivari’s instruments, then why mention Guarneri? Well, the Vieuxtemps is the most expensive Violin ever sold – but not the most valuable Violin in the world. That title does go to a Stradivari violin, and it’s called the Messiah Stradivarius. It is considered to be the only Stradivarius in existence that is still in its new state. It was made during Stradivari’s ‘golden period’, and sadly, it has never, ever been played. Even after almost 300 years in existence! It resides in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, UK.
The Messiah Strad.
Summary
Violin making is a more complicated job than you could ever realise. And the fact that we are still talking about this man’s skill 300-years later, is testament to what a genius he was.
For most of us who will never be able to afford, or play a genuine Stradivarius there are high quality replicas available. Depending on your budget, ($6,500) £5,000 gets you a Japanese built 1720 Strad copy. And, perhaps surprisingly, this equally beautiful, Chinese built replica of the 1716 Il Cessol Stradivarius Model costs only $1,900 (£1,600) and features a two-piece maple body, an ebony fingerboard, is supplied with high quality Larsen strings and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
There are even lower cost Strad copies as well! This excellent outfit from Eastman would be ideal for any aspiring beginner violinist with a budget of around $1,100 (£900).
Don’t worry, though, our advice caters for all budgets, so if you’re looking to spend about $500 (£400) on a violin then you really can’t beat Stentor, and their Verona Intermediate Violin Outfit is a fantastic offering with a lovely Italian style instrument that you’ll be proud to hold and play.
If you’re lucky enough to have heard a real Stradivarius in a concert hall, or even had the pleasure of playing one, do drop a note in the comments below.
FAQ's
DID YOU LIKE THE Stradivarius violin VIDEO?
The Full YouTube Playlist → Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content →
Did you make a comment below the video? If you forgot, no worries! Just click here to comment below…
I have one, but I do not know if it real or a replica. Who can I send pictures to in order to confirm this?
I’d recommend getting in contact with Florian Leonhard. They are in our opinion, one of the world’s leading experts and will assist you.
can you provide me with a telephone number /name of someone that can tell me if I have a real or fake say Stradivarius
Sure. I’d suggest getting in contact with Florian Leonhard. They are in our opinion, one of the world’s leading experts and will assist you.
I have a Stradairious violin very old still in the original case with the bow how would I go about getting it authenticated
There are a few specialists around the world who you can take it too. Depending on where you live, I’m sure if you google you’ll find one. Good luck!
Thanks so much. Glad you like it!