Stradivarius 1715
The ‘Titian’ Stradivari of 1715 has long been counted among the finest violins of the maker’s golden period. It has revealed itself to be a formidable concert instrument of unusual power and scope, remarkable for its focus and resilience under the bow. The violin was dubbed ‘Titian’ by the French dealer Albert Caressa because of its clear orange–red colour, which reminded him of the work of the famous Venetian painter.
Stradivarius 1716
Stradivari’s 1716 ‘Messiah’ violin is one of the most coveted in the world. The pristine condition of the instrument, made during his ‘golden period’ and barely played since then, offers unique insights into the mind of the great master.
Stradivarius 1708
The 1708 ‘Dancla’ Stradivari is an exceptional violin from the middle of the maker’s so-called ‘golden period’. It perfectly represents Antonio Stradivari’s later experiments while also embodying some rare characteristics.
Stradivarius 1709
One of the top Stradivari violins in the world, the 1709 ‘Viotti’ helped to establish the master’s name – thanks to its illustrious owner. The powerful tone and brilliance of sound created by this exceptional combination of instrument and performer (G.B. Viotti) helped to create the Stradivari legend.
Stradivarius 1735
By 1909, it had been acquired by a member of the French Samazeuilh family, hence the name of the violin “Samazeuilh”. In 1923 it came in the possession of the virtuoso Mr. Mischa Elman (1891-1967), who in a letter written in 1926 considered it “one of the best Stradivarius instruments for tone quality…”
Guarneri del Gesu 1741
Currently the most expensive violin in the world, the 1741 ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ was sold in 2012 for a sum in excess of $16 million. It has been given on lifetime loan to US violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. Among its illustrious former players was Henri Vieuxtemps; at his funeral it was carried behind the hearse on a velvet cushion, by fellow violinist Eugène Ysaÿe.
Guarneri del Gesu 1743
A superb violin from the last years of the maker’s life, the ‘Brusilow’ is in an incredible state of preservation. Played for many years by Anshel Brusilow during his years as concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the instrument displays many of the idiosyncratic qualities that characterise the late period of ‘del Gesù’.
Maggini 1630
One of the few Magginis to remain at its original size, this Cremonese-influenced violin is in superb condition. Includes measurements.
This wonderfully preserved violin shows the last gasps of the venerable Brescian tradition. The form is unashamedly broad and bold, and it has been speculated that these Maggini types were the inspiration for the long-pattern instruments of Stradivari.