Stradivarius
A Stradivarius (or "Strad") is a stringed instrument built by members of the Stradivari family, especially by Antonio Stradivari.
The playable instruments are highly prized by world-class musicians, and others who can afford them. Their individual qualities are considered worth distinguishing, and a Strad is often identified by the name of someone (often a famous musician) who formerly owned it, or regularly performed on it.
A Stradivarius made in the 1680s or during Stradivari’s Brescian period (1690-1700) could be worth several hundred thousand dollars or more at today’s prices in auction. If it was made during Stradivari’s "golden period" (1700 to 1720), depending on condition, the instrument can be worth several million. They rarely come up for sale and the highest price paid for a Stradivarius (or any musical instrument) at public auction was ‘The Lady Tennant’, made in 1699 which sold for US$2,032,000 in 2005. Private sales of Stradivari instruments have exceeded this price.
The world’s only complete set of Stradivarius instruments (string quintet) belongs to the Spanish Government and consists of two violins, two cellos, and a viola. They are exhibited in the Music Museum at the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) of Madrid. Another important collection is the collection of the Royal Academy of Music (York Gate Collections) in London.
Many people find violins labeled or branded as "Stradivarius," and believe them to be genuine. It is believed that there are fewer than 700 genuine Strads left in existence, very few of which are unaccounted for.
These instruments are famous for the quality of their sound. There have been many failed attempts to explain and reproduce the sound quality. One theory stated that Stadivari used wood from an old cathedral to build his instruments, but tree-ring dating has shown this to be false. Another theory is that the density of the wood grown during the little ice age and used to build the instruments is responsible, and yet another theory states that the glue Stradivari used had a great effect on the sound.
The fame of Stradivarius Violins is not a modern phenomenon; the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes is supposed to have owned one. Another famous story is about a Stradivarius Cello, known as the "Duport" which has the spur marks of Emperor Napoleon, who scratched the cello when he tried to play it. They also played an important role in the James Bond film The Living Daylights.
The reputation of the Stradivarius is such that its name is frequently invoked as a standard of excellence in other, unrelated fields (such as ships and cars).
