Antonio Stradivari was born in Cremona, Italy, sometime around 1644, but the exact date of his birth is unknown. His life spanned two centuries, and he died in 1737.
Antonio was an Italian luthier, a craftsman of stringed instruments. He also made violas, cellos, and at least one harp. The Latin form of his name, Stradivarius, refers to his violins. Antonio had six children by his first wife, and five by his second. His sons worked in the shop, and some of the signed Stradivarius violins are probably signed by his sons.
Antonio Stradivari may have studied under Amati, whose violins were highly prized during that time, more so than Antonio’s. The Stradivari alterations to the Amati models were what brought fame to Stradivari. He changed the arch, varied the thickness of the wood, and used more highly colored varnish, as well as other modifications.
Over the years, as his violins became prized, they were hidden, stolen, and sold, increasing in value with each passing decade.
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9 comments:
What a wonderful blog! This is right up my alley! So glad I stumbled across it, Joyce! :)
Great information, Joyce!
Added my name to your follower list! Didn't Jack Benny have a Stradivarius?
Very interesting, Joyce. Thanks for sharing. Stradivarius sounds like he had a very fun life making violins and other instraments.
Smiles
Steph
Nikki: I loved your poems. So glad I looked at your blog. The one about Geminis struck home. I'm a Gemini, and the poem really got to the core of what goes along with that sign! I signed to follow. Thanks for stopping by.
Tiffany: Thanks for stopping by! I love your web page. Beautiful colors.
KK: I know he had a violin. I see he used to play it with Harry Truman on the piano. I'm guessing it may have been authentic, but where is it now? You have me interested. Guess I need to read a biography of him to find the truth. It just may have been a copy. I'll have to pursue this.I hope you enjoy my other posts. I always hope I'll say something that will give someone an idea for a plot. Thanks for stopping.
Hi Steph: It seems to be Gemini day. I'm a Gemini, and another Gemini left a comment, too.
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I am looking for a historical novel I read long ago and I can't remember the name, but I loved it. It tells the story of a Stradivarius violin, starting with being built in Antonio's workshop, and then describing its life with all it's owners, including Mozart, and right up to the present day. I particularly remember the wonderful descriptions of how it was made and Antonio's family. Do you know the title of this book? I must have read it 20 years ago, and I would love my son to read it.
Libbet
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