Stradivari violin

Marakanetz: Perlman (sp, I'm sure) plays what many consider to be the finest Strad in existence, called "le Soill" or something close to that--it has the sweetness and delicacy of the Strads but the power of the del Gesus. Acquired it in 1989 from Yehudi Menhuin, who wanted money to buy a new house at the time (the violin must be worth around $5 million right now)! He also has a del Gesu, but reportedly only uses that for outdoor concerts where weather and humidity are a concern; indoors at a big concert you'll hear that Strad.

Interesting thread. ……. I seem to recall hearing that the Smithsonian Institution has chosen Apogee's Diva speakers to reproduce as accurately as possible, the recordings of Mozart's piano that is on display at the Institution. Considering that the piano is a stringed instrument, wouldn't the chosen instrument (Strads, Guarneris, del Gesu etc) individual definition be just as audible on the Diva's as Mozart's piano from a similar piano?

The largest single collection in the world of Stradivari string instruments is at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. I hope they lend them out. I think it a total waste if those instruments are only on display. They should be heard, played by the best. That is what makes them a treasure.

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

Nice posts:
In a more pedestrian strand there is a very nice album by Tony Rice and David Grisman called Tone Poems that is interesting. They play traditional tunes on a variety of old traditional instruments. The notes include the instruments played. Its very nice if you like the style of music. Each musician is recorded on one channel. I have never played this cd for anyone who commented that the instruments were different without it being pointed out first. They are not playing a Stradivarias but they do play some of the finest old guitars and mandolins available and the production was geared toward highlighting the instrument's voices. Check it out if you have the chance.
I fear the greatest acoustic instruments are somewhat homogenized once they are recorded or transduced or what ever.
Great question.
cklomparens