Stradivari's Genius (Page 132-166)

Summary
Over time, many virtuosi had own the five Strads Faber had mentioned. Charles Davidov encountered the great Strad cello, the Davidov, in the mid 1800’s. Davidov was “hailed as Europe’s greatest virtuoso before he was twenty-five” (Faber 140). There are many stories how he acquire the Strad. The most well known story is reminisced by Yo Yo Mah, which is about Count Wielhoski. In the winter of 1885-86, Davidov met Count Wielhoski. Both men celebrated the count’s birthday. Suddenly, the count decided to give his beloved cello. Since then, Davidov had gained honorific acknowledgments. The main one is to be entitled the “Soloist to His Majesty.” He was the main musician of the Russian Emperial Orchestra. However, there was a huge commotion over him in 1875. The story was that the Russian Court expected to entertain the Sweden monarchs. The problem was Davidov was in Finland, not Russia. Therefore, the Russian guards were looking for him until they found him and return back to Russia. It is comical since many people were looking for him, even Davidov had no idea what was going on. After his death in 1889, the Davidov, was purchased by an British for $230,000.

The next virtuosa to play the Viotti was Ms. Marie Hall. She was come from a very poor family. Many people were enchanted by her sensational violinist’s skills, performing in the English streets. With the level of penury her family was, she was limited to travel around the world. However, at the age of 15, Philip Napier Miles offered to pay her family $100 each week for borrowing her. The “chains” had been broken, bringing her full potential to become the violinist the world expected.

Quote
“Her career would indeed continue, and the Viotti would continue to be heard, but few would have guessed the changes the next few years would bring from all violinists” (Faber 163).

Reaction
With so many details, Faber has a great control of writing the book. He facilitates the reader with simple terms in order to not lose the reader in the large stream of information. The main reason may be the great sense of transition he has as the writer. I had notice Faber collaborates each chapter to ensure they support each other. If one chapter is not read, then the reader will be lost of the occurrence of events in the story. It is essential to read any book in chronological order to understand the main gist of the entire book, especially in a book of history. I also had notice the last sentence of every chapter ends up with the “to be continue” ending. Notice on the quote above, Faber states Ms. Marie Hall will impact other violinist with her playing. He foreshadows high achievements made by Hall. The “changes” that will revolutionize the classical music’s hearing or medium.