Stradivari violin

Just my two cents...

Regardless of whether you are talking about Strads or Guarneri's, it is the tone of the particular performer that often has a greater "sonic signature" than the maker of the instrument. The greatest performers have a signature tone that carries over from instrument to instrument. For example, Yo-Yo Ma's early recordings were made on a Gofriller, later ones on either a Strad or Montagnana. Yet, in all of his recordings, early or late, it is the same sweet, beautiful tone. Slight differences, of course, but the same unmistakeable character.

This is even more interesting when you consider the previous owners of Yo-Yo Ma's cellos. I once heard Ma perform the Elgar cello concerto live, on his Davidov Strad. Beautiful performance. However, Jacqueline du Pre performed on the Davidov Strad for most of her tragically short career. Same instrument, TOTALLY different tones. Similarly, Ma's Gofriller was previously used by Pierre Fournier. Again, same instrument, very different tones.

Personally, I think it is more interesting to listen for the characteristics of a performer's sound, rather than try to determine the general sonic characteristics of a particular instrument maker.

Happy listening.

-EWHA

Great thread! While my previous post discussed my preference for listening for the special tone of special performers, I have always been intrigued by the craftsmanship of fine stringed instruments. My dream is to one day retire, open a violin shop, and restore/make instruments in a room with a reference level audio system. That would be heaven!

Some of my favorite instruments that I've had the privilege of examining up close...

The "ex-David" del Gesu that Heifetz played for many years, currently used by Midori. What a beautiful instrument! A previous post mentioned the "Soil" Strad played by Perlman. I'd say the Soil, the ex-David, and the Bull Strad are the three finest violins in existence.

In terms of sheer beauty... the Axlerod Strads. They are a quartet of matching, beautifully decorated Strads at the Smithsonian. I studied cello with David Geber of the American String Quartet for awhile, and the Axlerod family has loaned these Strads to the quartet on several occasions. They are, in a word, breathtaking. The "fit and finish" of these instruments is incredible, even compared to other Strads.

As for cellos, my personal favorites are the Davidov Strad (mentioned in my previous post), and as Sugarbrie mentioned, the Duport Strad played by Rostropovich. Both are examples of Strad's "golden years" and have that beautiful golden-red varnish that simply glows.

Keep the posts coming! I'm finding this thread to be great reading!

Happy Holidays,
EWHA