joshua bell

The Vieuxtemps Guarneri Could Be The World's Most Expensive Musical Instrument

The Stradivarius is often considered the ne plus ultra of violins but a violin by another master could be the world's most expensive musical instrument in the world. The instrument in question is the Vieuxtemps Guarneri created by a craftsman from Cremona, Italy known as Guarneri del Gesù. The Guardian reports that the beautiful instrument was created in 1741, three years before the master's death and is one of the last violins he created. It is being put up for sale through Bein & Fushi of Chicago, a top dealer of some of the world's most expensive antique instruments, with an asking price of $18 million. The violin is named for Henri Vieuxtemps, a 19th century musician who composed solo pieces for violin. It has been been touched by many masters including Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman and was played by Joshua Bell when he appeared with the Chicago Symphony in October. It is currently owned by retired British financier and music philanthropist, Ian Stoutzker.

While around 640 violins created by Antonio Stradivari survive, there are just 140 created by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri. The Guarneri instruments are praised for their deeper, richer sound. The current record price was set by another Guarneri last fall. Violinist Aaron Rosand sold the Kochanski for $10 million. Following the sale, Rosand donated $1.5 million to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

(Above Philippe Quint plays music from The Red Violin by John Corigliano on the "Vieuxtemps" Guarneri del Gesù violin of 1741.)

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When Creative Minds Meet: Temple St. Clair Interviews Joshua Bell

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Recently jewelry designer, and nominee for a Luxist Reader's Choice Award in the Best Jewelry Line category, Temple St. Clair interviewed another great creative mind, violinist Joshua Bell. Bell, who began playing at age five, has played with most of the world's great orchestras and conductors in his long career. His extensive discography includes Vivaldi: The Four Seasons which was released in 2008 and At Home With Friends, his latest album, inspired by his love of hosting informal concerts at his home. The two artists talked about ideas, art, charity and finding balance in life.

Joshua Bell: Great to meet you! Your work has a bit of a world-wide influence, considering your studio started in Italy and was eventually moved to New York. Your blog also mentioned several locations. Have your travels influenced your design at all?

Temple St. Clair: Yes. In fact, travel is essential to my work. I do spend a lot of time in my studio pouring over books but, for me, traveling is key to refreshing the mind. I never travel without a sketchbook for drawings and notes. I sketch architectural details as well things I see in nature. Also street fashion differs from culture to culture so I love people watching. I have shelves and shelves of my sketchbooks; they are as much travel logs as anything else. I constantly refer back to them for ideas that I save for new collections.

You often tour throughout Europe. Does visiting such far-away locales, to areas where much of the music you're known for playing was originally performed, change the way you view the music you're playing?

J: I don't know that it changes the way I view the music, but it can certainly enrich the experience.

I've played in centuries-old churches and halls that have hosted the world's most celebrated artists, many of whom are my heroes. Being on the same stage where so many great talents have performed is inspiring. While the walls can't literally talk, they do speak to you in a sense that is very special.

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