Antonio Stradivari
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.
Antonio Stradivari | |
---|---|
Birthplace | Cremona, Italy |
Died | |
Nationality | Italian |
Education | Apprenticeship with unknown |
Stradivari, Antonio
Bibliography
See studies by A. E. and W. H. Hill (1902) and H. K. Goodkind (1973); T. Faber, Stradivari's Genius (2005).
Stradivari, Antonio
(also Stradivarius). Born 1643 (or 1648 or 1649) in Cremona; died there Dec. 18, 1737. Italian master violin-maker.
A student of N. Amati, Stradivari opened his own workshop circa 1667. For many years he made instruments in the style of his teacher, but in 1704 he produced an even better model. From 1704 to 1725 he produced the best concert-quality violins, known for their clear, rich timbre. Stradivari’s instruments are famous for their artistically perfect design, elegance, and harmonious form, as well as for their meticulously chosen wood and beautiful finish. Stradivari also made cellos and violas.
The greatest modern musicians play instruments made by Stradivari. The Soviet state’s collection of rare musical instruments in Moscow contains several of his violins, violas, and cellos, which are loaned to outstanding Soviet musicians for concerts. Stradivari taught his craft to his two sons, Francesco (1671–1743) and Omobono (1679–1742), and to C. Bergonzi.