本資料庫收藏： Violin (1707), Violin (1709), Cello (1709), Violin (1713), Violin (1722), Cello (1730)
The immortal Antonio Stradivari is generally considered as the greatest master in violin-making history. The Stradivari Museum in Cremona still keeps a complete collection of the tools, models, and drafts used by the master. People from all over the world visit there to commemorate him. The epigraph, “Here Stradivari created violins of highest quality, whose craftsmanship made Cremona an unforgettable city,” is carved on the monument erected in front of his previous workshop.
According to an estimate by the Hill Company, during his 70 years of career, Stradivari made approximately 1,200 instruments. Most of his clients were royalty and the nobility, which explains why most of his bowed instruments are still well-preserved. Among his works, about 600 violins, 50 violoncellos, 12 violas, a harp, a mandolin, and four guitars still survive today.
In 1782, the famous violinist G. B. Viotti (1755-1824) amazed the audience at his debut in Paris by performing on a Stradivari violin. Since then, European violinists and collectors were enthusiastic in collecting Stradivari’s violins, which became a great hit at then. In the end of the 18th century, the Europeans greatly admired the gorgeous sonority of Stradivari’s instruments. For many musicians, to possess a Stradivari’s violin is a life-long pursuit. Such trend even lasted to the 19th century, violins crafted by Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù were still the best choices for violinists to perform on stage.
Stradivari made a revolutionary transformation of the violin to accommodate the expanding orchestras and larger concert halls. The Stradivari violin possesses supreme tonal quality and sonority which is compatible to a whole orchestra and a best match for a concerto. Stradivari violins not only meet the needs of modern musicians but also enrich their performance. Moreover, the master has further set the best standards for modern violin making, such as the forms, proportions, varnish, and tonal quality. The sonority and anatomical beauty of Stradivari violins had been invincible until the introduction of Guarneri del Gesù violin. Nevertheless, the varnish applied by Stradivari has already reached to the peak that no one is able to surpass his achievement. Nevertheless, even in the 20th century, Anne-Sophie Mutter, the famous violinist, said that when one holds a Stradivari violin; even a tender touch can arouse enormous passion.
In 1905, the British violinist Marie Hall bought this violin once owned by Viotti via George Hart, a dealer in London. Since Marie Hall played on this violin during her long-term tour concerts worldwide, this violin was thus named Viotti-Marie Hall from 1955 to 1991. This famous violin was destined to become a legacy to be honored. Marie Hall’s daughter inherited this masterpiece after her mother’s death. In 1968, a British industrialist Jack Morrison purchased Viotti-Marie Hall from Marie’s daughter. Then in 1974, Morrison commissioned the Hill Company to sell it. It was in turn acquired by Geraldo Modern, a member of an amateur Belgium string quartet in 1988. Afterwards, this Stradivari violin was renamed as Marie Hall-Viotti or abbreviated as “Marie Hall”. “In all respects, Marie Hall is a remarkable paradigm in the history of violin,” as the Hill Brothers put it in their publication. “The tonal quality of Viotti-Marie Hall is perfect,” The Strad writes, “undoubtedly, comparing with any other renowned Stradivari violins; Viotti-Marie Hall is the most glorious example.
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