Global "cooling" seems to be one reason that Stradivarius violins have a unique sound. A mini-Ice Age that started in the middle of the 17th century caused a new pattern of tree growth. Trees grew more slowly, growth rings were narrower, and wood became denser, which could account for the difference in the sound of violins made during the 1600s and 1700s. Then again, maybe other theories explain the sound of a Stradivarius violin--perhaps 300 years of aging or a unique treatment for the wood creates the special sound. Whatever the reason, the "Strad" is still the most admired violin ever made.
4 comments:
When my father died in 1991, I had the job of clearing out his personal things from his home. In a closet all wrapped up I found a violin. A lady who had been with the family since 1959 said that it had been there ever since she had been with the family and didn't know anything about when or where he had gotten it, etc. I'm sure it's a Stradivarius copy, but would like to find out what kind of copy, etc. Inside it says,
Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis
Faciebat Anno 17 and then a circle with a cross and A S below the cross. Can anyone tell me how would I research this?
Since it is claimed all the real Stradivarius violins are accounted for the easy way to check is to assume it is a fake. Take it to an accomplished violinist who will know if the sound and look is of superb quality. An orchastra member, a music store, even a high school band expert could help.
Ralph and Terry Kovel
The most recent information from advanced medical scanning technology appears to show that, while the AVERAGE density of Strad and other violin'wood is equal, the VARIATION in density within the wood of a Strad is far less than that of the others, thus explaining more pure and unaltered vibrations accounting for its fine tones.
Terry and Ralph, I have a reproduction of a stradivarius in its orginal case. Any idea to the value of a repro?
Dianna
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