Antonio Stradivari: Myth and Sound Magician

Stradivari's career

There are numerous myths surrounding Antonio Stradivari's birth. He was probably born in Cremona (Italy) in 1644, but there is no official record in a church register. There is also little evidence under which circumstances and from which master Antonio Stradivari learned his craft. Some believe that he was a student of Nicolo Amati was - the grandson of the great violinmaker Andrea Amati. This is based on the wording of the label of the earliest known Stradivarius: “Made by Antonio Stradivari from Cremona, pupil of Nicolo Amati, 1666.”

Other theories suggest that Stradivarius may have learned the profession of carpenter before becoming a violin maker, which would explain the exquisite workmanship of his decorated instruments. In addition, Stradivari not only created violins, but also repaired lutes, built harps, guitars, violas and mandolins - which also proves his craftsmanship.

In 1667, Stradivari married Signora Francesca Feraboschi and the couple had six children. In 1680, he bought a house on Piazza San Domenico, i.e. near the workshops of Amati and his contemporaries Francesco Ruggieri. According to tradition, he made his most famous violins there in the attic and experimented with sound and design.

Antonio Stradivari probably created around 1,100 instruments, of which around 600 violins are still preserved. He died in 1737, but his legacy lives on. Because Stradivari violins are a legacy of inestimable value for the music world.

Important creative phases

His work is usually divided into three to four periods, with even the earliest instruments showing Stradivari's great talent.

• The early phase (1660s to 1680s) is also known as “Amatise” because Stradivari's instruments from this period were very much based on those of Nicolo Amati. Stradivari also experimented with various models and techniques. His instruments from this period often have a more rustic style. The paint is usually thick and reddish or orange in color.

• It was only in the golden phase from 1690 that Stradivari developed a more individual violin shape that was wider and flatter than his earlier models. Because Stradivari had understood that with increased volume, the richness of sound increased. He also began further sound-optimizing experiments: For example, he widened the F-holes (sound holes) over the years. In addition, Stradivari thoroughly revised the formula of the paint he used. The golden phase of Stradivari is considered to be his most artistically fertile and successful period. During this phase, he created some of his most famous instruments, such as the “Lady Blunt”.

• In its later phase from 1720 to 1730, Stradivarius produced slightly fewer instruments. He also changed his architectural style again. For example, the arches became flatter and the paint lighter.

In the last years of his life up to 1737, Stradivari only created a few instruments. Their quality and refinement may not entirely match his earlier work, but Stradivari's late works are still highly sought after.

What makes Stradivari's instruments so valuable

Stradivari's instruments are characterized by both their sound and their beauty. The master's violins impress with the ability to produce different timbres, their clarity and a warm, balanced and resonant tone that is appreciated by musicians all over the world. In addition to the sound, the craftsmanship and aesthetic design of Stradivari's instruments are also remarkable. Each violin was made with incredible precision and attention to detail.

The incomparably good sound of a Stradivarius violin has occupied luthiers and researchers for generations — and is still unclear. But there are assumptions. For example, that the timbre is so special because the spruce wood used from the Little Ice Age in the 16th century has a lower density than other wood used for making violins. It is also possible that he had chemically treated the wood. This is because scientists detected residues of minerals as well as copper, aluminum and zinc, which preserve the wood excellently.

The most expensive violins in the world

The Stradivari violas, cellos and violins achieved high prices during the brilliant instrument maker's lifetime; today they are almost priceless. Many millions of euros are often offered at auctions for well-preserved copies - but most are owned by music foundations, museums or musicians. Stradivari's ex, for example. Adolf Busch (estimated value: seven million US dollars), from David Garrett was played.

The most expensive copy, however, would have been Stradivari's Macdonald viola. In 2014, Sotheby's wanted to auction them for the equivalent of 45 million euros. However, since no one paid this sum, Lady Blunt is still the most expensive Stradivarius. It was built in 1721 during Stradivari's golden period and is highly regarded for its exceptional tonal qualities and exquisite craftsmanship. The Lady Blunt violin has been played by several renowned violinists and represents both Antonio Stradivari's masterly craftsmanship and the lasting legacy of his instruments in the world of classical music. In 2011, she was awarded at a Nippon Music Foundation charity auction for the astonishing amount of 15.9 million dollars auctioned.

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