Stradivari's Genius (Page 167-219)

Title: Stradivari’s Genius-Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection
Author: Toby Faber
Page 167-219

Summary
The advancement in technology influenced the expansion of classical music to the New World. The main component that expanded classical music to other countries is the phonograph. It was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. It facilitated people to hear a diversity of songs from foreign countries. Miss Marie Hall’s violin’s recordings were the first to be made in that time period. Via radio, more people became aware of the sweet tones the Strads were able to make. Ever since then, Strads became priceless relics throughout the entire world. Various collectors invested millions to get their hands on a Strad. There was one occasion a wealthy Cuban owned the Lipinski. The musicians owning a Strad were considered fortunate. One of the well known is “the ultimate wunderkind”: Yehudi Menuhin (Faber 173). Menuhin one of the most influential violinists in the 20th century due to his great debuts in America and Europe, his career started at the age of 11. Another virtuoso who still owns the Davidov is Yo-Yo Ma. For Ma, getting the Davidov became a huge dilemma since it was sold for “a relatively undemanding price” (Faber 201). As for the Viotti, Faber stated there was confusion of two 1974 Strads. The one Ms. Hall owned was not the Viotti, it was later on name the Marie Hall. The genuine violin was located in London in 1905. As the latest owner of the Viotti died in 2002, his will was to displayed it alongside the Messiah, which yet it haven’t been accomplish. With many copies of the Messiah, at one point people became doubtful of its originally. Already displayed in the Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, many officials tested if was the real deal, which was at the end. Lastly, the 1680 Paganini remains in the famous Tokyo String Quartet. It’s still intact and heard by many in concerts and other great events.

Quote
“For fifty years it hung there in semi-splendor, its varnish pristine, its corners unworn, its purfling exact, the most perfectly preserved example of Stradivari’s workmanship from the very peak of his golden period” (Faber 210).

Reaction
The entire book is full of imagery. From the introduction to the aftermath, Faber writes in full details and his choice of words is understandable, mentioned in previous posts. It is amusing how his writing style can create a great picture such as mentioned on the quote above. The quote describes the Messiah in the Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. This is another quote that lauds Stradivari’s craftsmanship. His instruments were so perfect that had been passed along with through many virtuosi. It is a fact, Faber persuaded me throughout the entire book that Stradivari is a real genius.

I rate this book 5 out 5. Admire Faber's writing style!