Another implication is that he was a woodworker by trade, which would explain his genius talent in design and drafting. During the beginning of his career, Stradivari created violins in the classic Amati style handed down to him from previous generations.
However, even using traditional techniques, his skill and talent was impressive. For example, the Hellier violin produced by Stradivari in reveals his unmatched skill and ability to create a violin better than any other maker during his time. In the s, Stradivari designed and crafted full-bodied violins with rich physical and tonal characteristics. His two sons Francesco and Omobono joined the family business around but neither showed the same fervor or talent as their father.
Chicago: W. Goodkind, Herbert K. Larchmont, NY: published by the author, Hamma, Walter. Meister italienischer Geigenbaukunst. New York: Baerenreiter Music Publishers, Text in German, English, and French. Henley, William. Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers. Heron-Allen, Edward, Originally published Antonio Stradivari: His Life and Work, New York: Dover, Jalovec, Karel.
Enzyklopadie des Geigenbaues. This particular Strad, dating from , takes its name from Baron Johann Knoop, a collector of musical instruments who possessed a total of 29 violins, violas, and cellos at one time or another including four Stradivari violas and eleven violins!
Violin makers are still stumped as to why the Stradivarius instruments are so difficult to replicate - both in terms of their sound, and design. Perhaps it had something to do with Stradivari's incredible carving skill, demonstrated here on the edges of the Cipriani Potter violin. No one's entirely sure why Stradivarius instruments sound the way they do, but it could be to do with the type of wood used. Apparently, during the Little Ice Age between - , trees grew slower due to lower temperatures, and wood was more dense as a result.
And dense wood means a better sound. Stradivari developed his style gradually over time, with his earlier violins being slightly smaller than his later models.
As well as being smaller in size, his earlier models are often not as highly regarded as his later instruments. This is a 'Violino piccolo' from , meaning it's slightly shorter than a regular sized violin. Measuring mm from top to bottom, it's around mm shorter than a full sized instrument. Stradivari quickly made a name for himself as one of the most dextrous craftsmen in the world, thanks to the tiny ornate details on his instruments - notice how even the pegs holding the strings on this Viotti violin are beautifully carved.
Paganini is just one of the famous figures who's played a Stradivarius: this viola belonged to him for a time. Nowadays, they are on loan to a number of famous violinists including Nicola Benedetti, David Garrett and Janine Jansen. In around , Stradivari reverted to his original ideas, and started creating slightly shorter instruments once again. This led to his so-called 'Golden Period', which lasted from - It's generally thought instruments from this time sound even better than his earlier models - this cello is one such example from the period.
They're regarded as some of the finest stringed instruments ever created, apparently possessing a sweet tone and superior sound quality. Despite this, blind listening tests have never demonstrated Stradivarius instruments are any better than other high-quality instruments, so their legendary status still remains a bit a mystery - it's no wonder the instruments are still fascinating for music-lovers throughout the world.
I mean, I think that it has in it all the depth of body and grit that one might look for. The heir of a wealthy American industrial family acquired the violin in , before passing it down to his then year-old granddaughter Elizabeth Pitcairn, who still owns it today. Preferring the Guarneri for performances, he would often leave the Strad in its case while on stage.
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