For years, luthiers have attempted to copy the violin-making technique of Antonio Stradivari, whose instruments represent the absolute finest from the Golden Age of Cremona. Using modern technology, dimensions, thickness of wood, and placement of bass bars and sound posts, can be imitated to a great extent (have you ever seen those luthier diagrams in Strad magazine? Too much for me). Yet, Strads still hold their ground at the very top of the pedestal. So what makes them so different from other fine instruments?
A common theory is that the answer is in the varnish. It was speculated that proteins from dead animals, or perhaps other exotic elements might have been added to the mix, and in turn adjusted the acoustic properties of the wood to sound so glorious.
Well we can just about cross that theory off the list.
Using samples from four violins and a viola d’amore, with vintages from 1692 to 1724 (remember his Golden Era was 1698-1720 so this is a good sample), a team of researchers have concluded that the varnish is actually a quite basic blend of oil and resin.
Back to the drawing board…
What Exalts Stradivarius? Not Varnish, Study Says – NY Times
Archive for December, 2009
Researchers Find Stradivari’s Secret Is Not In Varnish
Conclusion: He Used Magic
Exclusive Interview with Gilbert Kalish
I had the pleasure today of sitting down with Gilbert Kalish, and Jeffery Meyer for another Sound Post interview. Topics on the table were: Kalish’s residency at Ithaca College, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, his entry into the professional world of classical music, and what it is like to play under the baton of his former student, Jeffery Meyer.
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Sting and Trudie Styler Star in Schumann Romance Film
Premiers Tonight on WQXR and WNYC
Twin Spirits, a film about the romance between Robert Schumann and his wife-to-be Clara Wieck, will premier tonight, December 3, at an event hosted by WNYC’s The Greene Space, WQXR 105.9, and Music Unites—a New York based music education charity. The event is a benefit for both Music Unites, and the Royal Opera House Education programs.
The film chronicles the romance between Robert and Clara Schumann with an amalgam of narration, music, and acting. While Sting and Trudie Styler read from the letters exchanged between Robert and Clara, musicians will embody the spirit of the composers by performing their music. The film will also be narrated by Sir Derek Jacobi.
Finally, those who are not able to attend the premier can watch the film online starting at 6:30pm today at www.wnyc.org/thegreenespace and www.wqxr.org, followed by an audio stream of Elliot Forrest’s conversation with Sting and Trudie Styler.
For more information, check the event page here.
Perlman to Play Polio Benefit Concert With NY Phil
World renown violinist Itzhak Perlman will give a one-night-only performance with the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall this evening to raise money for Rotary International’s campaign against polio. Perlman, who lost the ability to walk to polio, will play a selection of works including Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, and John Williams’ Theme from Schindler’s List.
Tickets start between $70.00 and $90.00, with a special premium package available for $500.00. These premium tickets grant concertgoers prime seat location as well as admittance to a private reception with Mr. Perlman following the event. As stated on the NY Phil website, “Net ticket proceeds will benefit Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign.” For info and tickets, see the event’s page at nyphil.com.