Stradivari Violin, 1709, "Viotti ex Hall" 

Please keep this beautiful analysis of violins FREE of commercials. I bet the revenue from commercials is negligible, and the recognition from violinist enthusiasts is rememberable!

" Wonderful Sound..."

Whatever you do, don't stop doing these violin documentaries, I find them fascinating. Now with the violin, yes its a Strad and its an excellent old master's work but it has more going for it than just the maker's name. I am reasonably familiar with how you play and with comparisons to both your own violin and other Strads you have reviewed and this one is a very good instrument, slightly rounder in tone (you used the term mellow) yet with good depth and power. I take your point that it has not been played much for a long time but that means it would pick up some edge and depth if it was played again for a while.

your videos are excellent, keep up the good work!

I am blessed to have both a classic old Italian instrument and a wonderful modern violin. I love both equally. I really do think we are living in a new "golden age" for violin makers. I expect the price difference between old and new will narrow over the years.

Old instruments serve as reference points. They are so valued because they define a bulk of values that musicians find desirable and inspiring in an instrument. As for this or that Strad, not everything what the player hears or feels is translatable to the RU-vid audience. Also, sometimes a slight adjustment of playing approach can change a lot in sound production. Anecdotally, a professional player once noted how Guarneri and Stradivari instruments fit different playing styles, and he who played a Guarneri instrument, could not quite play a Stradivari to the same satisfaction.

I always look forward to your videos. Lots of great information and beautiful music.

If you haven't already, you should visit the Cremona violin museum. It's something unique in the world...

The greatness of a violin expresses itself much more significantly in its relation to the player than in its perceived qualities by an audience. A violin that enchants and inspires a player has the benefit of instigating and informing a greater performance. That is a much greater benefit for an audience than that audience’s first impression of a violin’s sound.

This is such a great video not only talking about violins and instruments but just understanding that the value placed on something monetarily doesn't directly equate to its function or enjoyability. As a long-time headphone lover and audiophile, there are pieces of equipment that get a legendary status for flat audio reproduction but sound lifeless and boring. Yet, there are many in the audio community who would cast endless digital shade on somebody preferring something of "lesser" quality. There's an air of elitism when the enthusiast level is hit and it really detracts from the personal experience and relationship one has with their passion. As far as this violin, I agree with you; it's fairly mellow and calm. This would be a great instrument for a chamber orchestra player but doesn't have that sound that really stands out. Interesting to see a Strad that sounds normal and not even of the highest quality of instruments. Even Stradivari was human! Hahaha. :) Also, as a note, I enjoy the video of you playing editing in to be on your TV. It's a nice addition to the video and allows for more talking time while still showing the instrument being played. I hope you stick with this format for future instrument videos! :D

As always a great substantial video with so many good points! ❤️

I love this series! Thanks!🌞✌️😎🎻

We love your virtuosic performances from just hey this is a Strad!!! Let's play it:)

I have noticed that all violins at the CHIMEI Museum are strung with Evah Pirazzi strings.

I truly enjoyed hearing this magnificent instrument. My ear tends to prefer a more mellow sound and am a fan of the Guarneri family's work. When I became interested in violin, I delved into its history and recognized the names associated with this particular Strad. Thank you for all the many hours of "work" that give us all the joy of hearing these amazing instruments that are certainly works of art.

BRAVO !

The Strad sounds so much better then my violin. ☺

marvelous!

Great job posting these videos. Loved ex-Elman Strad's tone! Often when I see and play a weird sounding Cremonese violin from 1600-1700, I start looking for data on repairs and plate thickness map. Unfortunately most Cremonese violins have been regraduated by dealers in late 1800 and early 1900 and it's very difficult to come by one with original plate/Ribs thickness and in good condition. A heavily regraduated Strad usually doesn't react well to heavy bow pressure :)

Viotti was the once chapelmaster of the Duke of Mantua. Viotti was very well aquainted with both Antonio Stardivari and Guarneri, Joseph. It is known that Guarneri made a special instrument for Viotti. However, the whereabouts of this violine disappeared in the obscure. You may rest assured that the Viotti Stradivari is a good insrtument.

That is a great violin , truly great !

I love your videos. Have you ever given credence to the notion that a lot of people playing These fantastic intruments are actually playing Villaumes? It's not a popular idea but it is feasible.

I totally agree with you. Sound is subjective. The instrument must speak to the performer in order to collaborate ever so heavenly in the art of music.

This too short passage of the St Matthew Passion, I hope I am right, is so beautiful! Your playing is inspiring.

As a great violinist, I'm sure with that Stradivarius in your hands you can detect some differences causing you to prefer the other two. However, I agree with you that if this violin is played and nurtured so to speak, you would eventually love it as much as the other two Strads.🎻

Every 4 years, the "Ex Gingold" Strad goes to a new IVCI medalist. (The gold medalist gets first choice.) The violin then goes to the IVCI's luthier to be checked out and set up for the new recipient. Until I'd heard this, i had no idea a violin needed to be modified to a particular violinist. O course, you have to play these violins the way they are.

In the photo of Pearlman, he is holding the 1743 Sauret del Gesu, not his Stad.

The mellow sound might also have to do with the sound post placement... some of the most mellow sounding instruments have become bigger in sound with moving the sound post in my experience

So I'm thinking sound post ? had that been checked? Also has this violin been repaired ( may be badly?). These things can all make a difference. But what also came to mind for me was that there is a beautiful evenness of unique tone, and may be this is a violin for chamber music, or may be even for baroque music, set up with a lower bridge and fingerboard? Maybe the conversion to a modern neck just didn’t work properly? What ever the situation thank you for presenting us with an interesting and thought provoking video.

❤️

Itzhak Perlman paid $80,000 for his Soil Stradivari, i saw an interview and i remember him saying the violin became available at the time he and his wife had just bought their house. Fortunately, they were able to afford both! Best investment they ever made i'd say.

I think the fact that you use steel core strings ,makes this fiddle appear mellow ? its not ,it is sweet as heck with tons of power ???? gorgeous !!!

It's a beautiful instrument and on my phone it sounds really terrific (in your capable hands) but my personal preference leans toward earlier, more historic violins, such as the Maggini you reviewed in an earlier video. I agree wholeheartedly that the sound is the entire thing and that is subjective. Currently I'm playing an American violin (yes, I said American) made by Robert White in Boston, Massachusetts in the year 1721 and I love it. It's very somber and earthy, yet warm and open and it plays well. It was also reasonable, as well. I'd like to own a strad but it seems we like what we become accustom to. Thank you for another great video!

Another great video! This is one of the violins I sampled when I visited Chi Mei in 2012, and is the only Strad I’ve ever tried. Like you, it did not meet my expectations. Although I admit, my expectations were pretty high having never played a Strad before. I found this one hard to play - difficult to get a good sound out of it.

It sounds very good to me.... but I notice (could be wrong due to how video made) that the "bridge" was a little crooked... which would affect the sound.... that you are having trouble with.

I wonder how much more this instrument would improve after a period of vigorous playing. If it was played directly out of the vault and had not been played at all in very a long time, this must be a real factor

It doesn't have a big voice, but it has delicate beauty to it that I like. I think it wouldn't be suitable to playing orchestral concertos, but would be much better suited to playing chamber music, and solo music in smaller venues. I think it may also be a good instrument for recordings, based on its balanced and sweet voice. It sounded very lyrical, more akin to a canary than a rooster. Louder is always better. Thanks

Great that you are so open minded about violins and not just blindly accepting....

you are decorative music !

Always enjoy your video. In regard the price of a Strad and whether it's worth the money. 1) it's a very old instrument, delicate, and stood the test of time. That alone make it more expensive, just like old painting, ceramic, glass art. Because they aren't permanent, it's like preserving a piece of history. 2) problem is, lots of people regard them as an investment, like the one you just played, as you said, it has been in the vault and not being played for a long time. It has become part of a collection, so more rare it is, more expensive it becomes. Musical instruments are meant to be played not hang on the wall or inside a glass case. They need to breath, vibrate and resonate. 3) should younger musician have the chance to play the Strad? Absolutely, but on the other hand, are they capable to show case the instrument through the music? It's debatable. Jacqueline Du Pre did with her first Strad, but eventually she moved on to another better Strad, the Davidoff. 4) I truly believe that these marvelous instrument deserved to be played by master musicians. Even if I can afford them, I won't be able to make them shine, and it will be a waste to stay in my 'collection'.

your blessed to be able to play all these instruments! @ this particular violin and its tone, -- the bow makes a huge difference, -- there is not one bow for all of them, -- I usually bring two bows ( one is a 1850 nicolas Remi Maire, the other a contemporary Sartori copy) when trying instruments, -- and what a difference it makes -- one violin likes the one, another the other bow. from my own observation there is much more to violins than price and name, -- of course there is the limiting factor -- the built, -- if its not in it, no matter how good of a player, -- its not coming out. having said that -- a violin changes the player an the player changes the violin, -- means the violin grows and opens in the hands of a loving player and the player grows with the new possibilities an unleashed violin offers-- playing it and loving it, seeing it as a companion for whatever time there is, is the key to opening limittless posibilities lying dormant in the instrument and player. there is magic in violins. keep up the good work! take care

....that Strad sounds the best of the Cremona violins to me. Perhaps because of the Bach Chaconne being in d minor, very dark, but also the way it was performed. It required physical energy (not necessarily a bad thing) which may require living with the instrument a while to adapt. It's very subjective...like Italian wines.

Your videos inspired me to practice again and also consider a violin that's more suitable. Do you sell violins or recommend how to go about getting one? From Canada.

"Rather exquisite hair." Haha! I love that. You know, I've long wondered who the modern luthiers were that compared so favorably to the Strads in those blind tests. Can anyone tell me? I'd love to know more!

W.O.W.

I agree with the conclusion of the comparison of Violins. The makers name does not always guarantee impressive quality of sound. I have 2 Violins. The second violin that I bought 3 years ago for £500 is a JTL Geronimo Barnabetti made in Paris circa 1900. It is not commercially a 'valuable' violin. It's scratched and requires some maintenance work. BUT with a new bridge and soundpost, Thomastik Vision Titanium Solo and Lenzner Goldbrokat E strings it sounds much better than my much older instrument. The correct placement of bridge and soundpost makes a significant difference to the sound of the instrument, but so does the right choice of strings and bow and rosin. (I prefer Melos rosin as it doesn't 'cake' on the bow hair). I spent 4 hours comparing 25 bows ranging in price from £250-£1500. I was also able to compare my own 2 instruments with a selection of antique Violins and one made around year 2000. The 2000 violin on sale for £8000 was my preferred instrument which I was allowed to use whilst my own violin was being repaired. I chose the modern instrument over an antique one on sale for £15,000. However, compared with all the instruments available to me I preferred my £500 violin. The bow that I bought cost me £500. I can't explain how it enhances the sound of my violin but it really does make a noticeable difference. It's a German octagonal bow and has been rehaired twice, but it's sound production is consistently good. Last year I was asked to assess a violin which someone wanted to pass down to the family. It needed maintenance repair work, but I could tell immediately that the instrument did not have a good sound, and new sound post, bridge, string, etc would not improve the sound. There are so many things to consider when buying a violin and a bow, but the task can be easier if you buy from a seller who specialises in professional 'orchestral' instruments, not your local music shop. My preferred supplier is Stringers, Queen Street, Edinburgh whose Luthier is excellent. If buying a violin is new to you, then take someone with you who is an experienced classical musician who is familiar with the full range of sound of a violin.

The neck of the violin on the table behind you looks very low and strings high? Effect of angle of camera or has the neck angle sink?

7:29 Did not Anne-Sophie Mutter buy two Strads, as well? I find it always interesting where the line is drawn between "affordable" instruments, tone-wise and price-wise. So, how much do you have to spend minimally to not hear a huge difference between that "cheap" instrument and the more expensive one? Depending on who you ask, the line is between 5000 €, 10,000 €, 20,000 € and somewhere more expensive.

I went back and listened to the other Strad videos and this instrument seems quieter and less resonant, however it is, to me, really nice....

I've always wondered, what is that cello in the back?

You did mention that its been sitting for awhile , They truly do go to sleep and if you got to play it for a week and beat it with harmonics , it will show up :) this one is sweeter than most ,Id love a revisit of this one after some playing and another bow as I think the bow doesnt match the violin. another video?

Sound is subjective

I know this is irrelevent to This particular video and you're not a tutorial channel, but could you do a video on the things that helped you become the player you are? Like Techniques and Pieces, as you honestly play SO beautifully in all these videos. Honestly, I will Never be that good... Lol, And please keep making these videos, we all love them!!! :)

those Evah Pirazzi strings are not for that violin ,they sound thin ,try the gold version? or ?

I believe this is an excellent instrument. Thank you for sharing your experiences with these masterpieces. I wonder, what is your experience with playing older instruments? What is your instrument that you play on a daily basis? I think that to understand the capacity of an instrument you need to play it for an extended time. Granted I'm a Strad fan myself. The reason why some Strad's doesn't live up to expectation is poor handling and repairs, IMO. A violin of mine was in a blind test in 2006 and it beat a Strad and a Guadagnini. Great, but to be honest I don't think these were the top of the line. Ps. Check out my article in the Strad, December issue. Ds

You sound wonderful on all the violins you try. Have you tried a violin by Antonio’s son Omobono Stradivari. There are about 20 in existence and I have always wondered what they sounded like. Antonio did not allow them the best wood and he often made the backs from opioid or poplar.

I had occasion to play JB Vuillaume and it was really strong instrument. I liked it a lot, it was about 200k€ and I was really surprised, it was just slightly better than my then 5k€ violin… haha:) also Ivry Gitlis gave me his Sancy Strad to try once and it was the same as You point in this movie - I expected heaven will open above me and choir of angels will sing… not at all. It was very good violin, but it’s true - violinist is making the magic, violin can help or not

Beautifully played, but the Stradivarius is a baroque instrument. It's supposed to have gut strings, a shorter fingerboard, no chin rest, and a concave bow. This is a modernised one. Here's an original one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nQiPXgxXL_4.html

Maybe mellow and not as brilliant, but still plenty colorful from what I can hear. That sort of creamy sound does make it sound a bit more sad an soulful. SO TRUE about value being about so much more than sound. But in 350 years, i bet someone would by a Honda Civic for several million. Age, lore, and Investment Bankers.

I wonder if these violins are 'French' polished and after so many years of polishing how this would effect the sound.

Thank you so much for the lesson. I'm no direct descent of Giovanni or a musician; but some what recently i've learned about the Viotti stradivarius and I'm very much happy to learn a a little more about it.

The tone of this Strad has me thinking that it would make for a great French Canadian/Irish/Scottish old time fiddling style instrument. Graham Townsend played a Maggini.

I’m wondering if these violins have the same setup. Strings etc.

Idas' 1699 is favourite.

What is the names of the two pieces at the end?

😎

Another excellent production guys. Thank you so much. It amazes me how every violin is so unique in its sound, feel and responsiveness. There are plenty of instruments made by the old masters that do not sound world-class. An excellent modern instrument may sound better than a fine old Italian instrument. But perhaps the value of the instrument has more to do with the collectibility of it. The old masters are long gone and will never produce another instrument. That makes them rare and historical. I wish I could afford one for myself. Some people love that “new car smell”. I love that “old violin smell”.

Take care not being shot by the businessman who want to get rich at the cost of the artists! On my opinion, this mystification of the great italians is of course made by purpose - because of their limited number, it's a "must have" status symbol for the violinist who wants to show to be absolutely at the top, and the people that go to concerts appreciate to listen to a "mystery". But in fact it's the violinist who has all the huge amount of work, standing on the stage, and others get rich from it. You can also buy a watch for $250.000 if you have the money, and it will show you the time as good as the $25 one. What I like these days is that the prices are si ridiculously high that no violinist can pay them any more. So, rich businessmen are needed to loan them for a while - which is a sign of appreciation and indeed a distinction. These instruments are iconic from a history point of view, of course, and most of them sound amazing, but there is "a little" more than only the instrument. That said, I very much appreciate Hilary Hahn who plays on a Vuillaume, with "old-fashioned" Dominant strings, and still is on top of everything. Or one could listen to Rusanda Panfili, who plays a Violin from a french maker from the 1920's, that sell below EUR 5000,- but I can not imagine a better sounding violin. Violin prices have no absolute coincidence with sound, but a lot with history and the most with status. As long as people pay these high prices, they will be sold for it - that is business. Anyway, I'd give my soul to have the chance to play on a strad. Wait... someone knocked at the door....

I wonder what my Strad's name was way back then when they started naming them around 1840- 60 & du they know the name's of his 1600' ones how many were there u 🤔

I thought that sounded magnificent, especially at the deeper tones.

Can you gain access to Paganinis violin in cremona

Like you said, it sounds like it needs playing, but the potential is quite audible, I find.

A fantastic exploration of aesthetics, economics, and elitism.

HI ,I think those evah strings are wrong for this violin. i HAVE EVAH GOLDS ON ONE AND SO ON

The violin itself exists as a work of art which started when it was finished. You create a novel art anytime you pick it up and play it. I would humbly argue this to be objective (sounds subjective! Ha). The sounds and tone you generate from those violins please my ear. I could listen to you play for hours. That being, said I could look at that old violin and enjoy every detail, thinking of every story it holds and the love put into it by it's maker. Growing up, I played violin but transitioned to electric guitar in high school. I own a very desirable vintage Fender guitar as well as modern ones. It's hard to admit it, but I find the sound and tones of the modern instruments to be just as good if not better. However, I value my vintage instrument a bit more due to its handmade craftsmanship, the look, and of course the sound. I could both play it, and look upon it for hours. Just holding it, smelling it, and then to play it makes me feel so blessed by God. I tell my wife all the time that it's my favorite piece of art. It's beautiful in so many ways. There's something unspoken and mystical about vintage instruments. Our curiosity and imperfect human nature draws us to them.

It will be interesting to see if any modern made instruments will have the same Allure and value as an old master in say 300 years . I’m thinking not . Not due to the making of the instrument but to a shift in how we see the historical era . How many people buy something fantastically expensive because they like it or to get their 15 minuets of fame ?

How about reviews on contemporary violins? Your take would be unique since you have tried so many old-masters' violins.

IT GETS BETTER THE MORE YOU PLAY IT ,BUT

(Nothing likely too original or insightful here, but...) Glad, too, that you raised the issue of name/value. Such isn't discussed with regard to instruments in the same way visual art is. I would argue that an audience member who is aware that they are hearing a master play a Strad has a different experience than they would not knowing. The way one goes about listening and the attitude brought to that listening changes the impression. I think it's safe to say, then, that the same listener would have the same experience with the Strad swapped out (for another amazing instrument from any era) without the listener being informed. Prices paid at auction for any object are wrapped up in too many personal goals and agendas - mostly having to do with conspicuous wealth - to make them a good indicator. Such purchases affect "value" only to the extent others believe what they've seen and follow suit. You slipped pretty quickly past the point you made about whether the "art" is in the beautifully constructed wood (and other materials) of the instrument or the in the sounds of the instrument being played by a master (you, for example, Katha!). I consider the building part awe-inspiring craft, and the music making part art. You can't put a price on the later. Love You Guys! T

You definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed that day. This violin has an exceptional tone, there's just a few minor issues with the set-up. It's just a bit stiff, needs a knew bridge and probably a knew set of strings. I challenge you to find a modern violin with that kind of tone.

There is no way a tuna is worth 3.1 million dollars!!! That's taking ludicrous to it's heights.

If Ilya Kaler can't tell with his amazing ear... It's all mistique and people are wasting money on Stradivari violins.

I doubt that prices of Strads versus contemporary virtuoso violins reflect the difference in sound quality. Blind tests evidence this. Elite players seek elite instruments. The playing field with regard to the sound of the violin is not level. Like you said, this is a huge advantage for the younger virtuosos in producing a sound that rivals a Strad. Some day, perhaps, Strads will ultimately fall out of favor.

The rest of what I know about what Heifetz, Schoeder and Menuhin taught has gone right over your head

I would take this one if I could afford it anyway!

But Perlman’s 790,000 in 1986 is $1.88MM IN 2021....

Yes, like Amati, Guarneri, Villaume, and Stentor. That would be like saying a Gibson is so much better than a Fender; or saying that Chet Atkins was so much more accomplished than Roy Clark, or Jerry Reed. Now, to be fair, Roy and Jerry would give Chet his due. Chet would give them their due as well. I think "better" and "beauty" are in the eye and ear of the beholder. Who could play Under The Double Eagle and Malaguena, better than Roy Clark? Not many that I know of. These are just my opinions. I don't like Strads all that well. I find them too bright and shrill. I like an Amati for it's darker sound.

Also why would you pay millions for a violin when you can get a fiddle (Greiner, Zygmuntowicz and the like) for 100k that does the same thing just as well?

So, the instrument didn't quite speak to you, but if its owners offered it to you on loan in order to see if it would open up again, would you accept?

When you started to play this instrument, before you said anything about it, my thoughts were, "It's not as good as the other Strad's that I have heard you play." It sounds very nice, but not as good as some of the others. Thanks for your video. PS: This evening I listened to both your video of the 1713 and the 1709 Strad. This one does not seem to have the depth to it's voice that the 1713 Strad does. It's voice seems to be rather bland as compared to the 1713. It's like pasta sauce with one of the important spices missing.

I think the set-up of this violin was not good it was choking or maybe your bow is crap . One or the other.

Particularly, I don't like the awful term" EX " for an amazing violin. It sounds like a DIVORCED somebody.

2:00 "exquisite hair?" I find that distracting and irrelevant not to mention derogatory. Other than that, good videos!

YOU ARE REALLY A LEARNED STRADIVARI EXPERT. A YEAR WITH A STRADIVARIUS VIOLIN WILL CHANGE YOUR TRASH PERFORMANCE SKILLS WHILE ALSO LEARNING BY EXPERIENCE LORD MENUHIN EXPLAINED THAT A BOW SHOULD IN FACT BE. JASCHA HEIFETZ CALLED EVERY VIOLIN BY STRADIVARI WERE INDIVIDUALLY WORK'S. OF ART. YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN UNIVERSITY