violin

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.)

Tags: aaron rosand, antique instrument, guarneri, joshua bell, most expensive musical instrument, stradivari, stradivarius, violin

Honolulu Symphony Files Chapter 11

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

The recession has taken its toll on the performing arts and especially classical music. The latest to falter is the Honolulu Symphony which filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in federal court this week. The 109-year-old symphony calls itself as the oldest American orchestra west of the Rockies. The organization listed assets of $100,000 to $500,000 with debts of $1 million to $10 million.

The Honolulu Advertiser quotes the symphony's executive director as saying the move was a necessary step. Last month the symphony canceled its November and December concerts putting the entire 64-member orchestra out of work. The nonprofit has also let go of all but three of a total of 22 administrative workers. In a reorganization the Symphony will have to cut costs and will downsize the orchestra in hopes of surviving to play another season.

Source

Tags: honolulu symphony, HonoluluSymphony, orchestra, violin

$600,000 Violin left in NYC Taxi-Cab Returned to Korean Prodigy

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

"My Baby!" That's what acclaimed violinist Hahn-Bin reportedly exclaimed upon have his prized possession returned. The 22-year-old Korean musician was returning to his Chinatown apartment in Manhattan from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and apparently left the 18th-century instrument, reportedly worth some $600,000, in the cab, along with his credit card. Hahn-Bin returned home, took a shower, and then realized what had happened. He called the taxi company, who used GPS tracking devices to locate the cab in which he rode, called the driver and woke him up to confirm that the instrument was in his possession. The violin was then returned to its owner, who is now preparing for his debut at Carnegie Hall in October.

Believe it or not, that's not even the most valuable instrument ever left in a New York yellow cab. Not by a long shot. In 2001, cellist Lynn Harrell left a $4 million, 328-year-old Stradivarius in her cab, two years after Yo-Yo Ma left his $2.5 million, 266-year-old cello in a cab as well. Like Hahn-Bin, their instruments were returned to them, and they probably never left them out of their sight again.

Source

Tags: carnegie hall, CarnegieHall, hahn-bin, lincoln center, LincolnCenter, violin

Calder Laptop Cases

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Very simple in design, Calder laptop cases are understated and classic inside and out. Crafted with full-grain leather made by one of England's oldest tanners, the cases also have a hand-laid carbon fiber shell that's amazingly strong while not being too heavy. A silk velvet lining and suspension system protect your laptop from damage in your travels, and the whole setup reminds very much of an instrument case as opposed to a shoulder or tote bag (which is no surprise considering they make guitar and violin cases as well). Available for £2020 through the Bill Amberg store.

Source

Tags: calder, calder original, calder originals, CalderOriginal, CalderOriginals, case, cases, computer, computers, guitar, guitars, instruments, laptop, leather, violin, violins

The La Pavoni Stradivari Coffee Maker

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

It's probably a good thing I'm not rich and famous, because if I were I'd have to build a separate home just for all the stuff I'd buy. Seriously.

So last week I posted on the Lamborghini Coffee Machine, which I liked, and got a comment from a reader suggesting I take a look at this La Pavoni Stradivari Wood espresso machine, which I now also like. Great, little Mr Coffee is totally feeling inadequate.

Covered in mirrored brass, this machine is inspired by the Italian violinist Stradivari and takes the piston espresso design you expect from Pavoni and adds elegant sealed hardwood knobs for more comfortable use and, of course, style. Full of the usual features, and maybe a few unique ones, it sells for $879.

Thanks jjefferds!

Source

Tags: coffee, espresso, la pavoni, lamborghini, LaPavoni, pavoni, stadivari, stardivari, stradivari, violin, violinist

Self-Playing Violin

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

The Virtuoso is a self-playing violin that was developed by a former NASA administrator. The instrument does not have any built in speakers, though it appears to be mounted atop one, and uses no wiring or gadgetry to produce sound. The sound is actually produced by the bow being pushed and pulled across the strings of the violin, just as though a real player had taken it up! Not only is the instrument interesting to watch and listen to, but it takes up far less room than a player piano would, making it more practical for those who live in smaller spaces and do not play instruments but want the sound of classical music performed live in their home. Price: $17,500.

[via SciFi Tech]

Source

Tags: automatic, gadget, instrument, instrumental, music, musical, self-playing violin, violin, virtuoso

Violin Sets Auction Record

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

A Stradivarius violin made in 1707, known as "The Hammer", sold for far more than its estimated price of $1.5-2 million at a Christie's auction today. The winning bid, placed by a private collector, was for $3.54 million. This makes it the most expensive musical instrument ever sold at auction, though there are reports that say private sales have gone even higher. Stradivari is believed to have made more than 1,100 instruments in his lifetime and approximately 600 violins are believed to survive today. The Hammer is said to be from the master craftsman's "golden period," when he produced his finest pieces.