In 2011, a violin nicknamed “Lady Blunt’ was sold for a whopping 15.9 million in London to aid the Japanese earthquake and tsunami appeal. Though made in 1721, “Lady Blunt” was kept in excellent condition and has rarely been played at all, as it was a very sought out and treasured item by collectors and admirers. But still, I ask, why, and how can an instrument be so incredibly expensive?
This complex and loaded question can be answered with just one simple explanation:
It’s a Stradivarius!
The Creator
Whether you are an expert or have only dabbled in the world of classical music, the name Stradivari is certainly not unknown. Antonio Stradivari was a luthier — a craftsman of violins, cellos, and other string instruments alike. He was most famous for the craftsmanship of his violins, also known as Strads. They are said to have such a quality that it is almost like the violins have their own personalities. Strads produce the highest quality of sound on a violin and are often said to have a “silvery” tone, giving the violinist an incredible range without sacrificing the quality and colour of each note. Many great musicians have grown to love this distinct characteristic in Strads, but what was it about Stradivari’s craftsmanship and practices that made his instruments so special?
Was it the Wood?
Since Stradivari didn’t write down his methods during his lifetime, experts can only observe and test their theories on his secret recipe. The most common one I have seen floating around is one about the wood of his violins. String instruments require specific types of wood with different densities for the vibrations to resonate well through the body. A combination of Spruce, Maple, and Ebony are typically used because of this. Stradivari used Spruce for the tops of his violins as well, but his wood was slightly different. The Little Ice Age, lasting from the 14th to mid 19th century, caused the alpine Spruce in Europe to grow slower than usual, making the trees even denser and consistent.
And So It Remains a Mystery…
Could this be the reason why Strads are superior amongst other violins? How much of Stradivari’s reputation is built truly on his craftsmanship? How do psychological and social influences play a part in a musician’s perspective on these instruments? Certainly, the truth behind such an extraordinary violin cannot be explained by just one definitive element. There is so much more to a Stradivarius than we will ever know, but if we are sure about anything, it is that these secrets have become one of its greatest charms of all, so maybe it is best for it to remain a mystery.
Sources
https://www.francemusique.fr/en/top-ten-most-expensive-violins-world-15600
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stradivarius
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Stradivari
https://www.si.edu/spotlight/violins/stradivarius
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E21NATEP9QI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOtQQRf0Fzc