Stradivarius Market Hits High Note

Rush for 300-year-old violins sparks intrigue, drives price to millions

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2008 2:10 PM CST

(Newser) – The price of violins by 18th century Italian master Antonio Stradivari has shot through the roof in recent decades, with the instruments now worth 500 times their weight in gold, reports Der Spiegel. Three powerful dealers control a shadowy worldwide market rife with intrigue where frenzied collectors seek out the rare instruments that sell for millions.

Institutions and collections have snatched up many Strads of late, heating competition for the dwindling supply that remains on the market—and spurring forgeries. Even as the world clamors for the instruments, nobody is sure why they sound so good. Competing theories cite the varnish, fungi in the wood, or the effect of unusually cold winters on wood Stradivari used.

Violinist Adrian Pintea, from The Julliard School, plays a 1729 Stradivari known as the 'Solomon, Ex-Lambert' 27 March, 2007 at Christie's in New York. The fine musical instrument, valued at USD 1,000,000-1,500,000... (Getty Images)

New York, UNITED STATES: A 1729 Stradivari known as the 'Solomon, Ex-Lambert' is on display 27 March, 2007 at Christie's in New York. The fine musical instrument, valued at USD 1,000,000-1,500,000 will... (Getty Images)

Violinist Joshua Bell embraces his 1713 Stradivarius, purchased several years ago for more than $3 million, during an interview in his New York apartment on Oct. 8, 2003. (AP Photo/Gino Domenico) (Associated Press)

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Stradivarius Market Hits High Note

Rush for 300-year-old violins sparks intrigue, drives price to millions

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Stradivari • Italy • violin • foreign market • forgeries • Stradivarius violin

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More Newser Stories

The Secret of the Strad's Superiority

Scientist find mellow tone is in the wood

Stradivarius' Powers Just a Musical Myth

Researchers show that even pro musicians can't tell the difference

Stradivarius Violin Sells for $16M

Violin built in 1721 has hardly been played

$1.9M Stradivarius Stolen at Sandwich Shop

Two pricey bows were also in the case

'Beckham of Classical Music' Is Hit on Charts, With Ladies

David Garrett loves Metallica, sets world records

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Stradivarius Market Hits High Note

Rush for 300-year-old violins sparks intrigue, drives price to millions

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Stradivari • Italy • violin • foreign market • forgeries • Stradivarius violin

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

The Secret of the Strad's Superiority

Scientist find mellow tone is in the wood

Stradivarius' Powers Just a Musical Myth

Researchers show that even pro musicians can't tell the difference

Stradivarius Violin Sells for $16M

Violin built in 1721 has hardly been played

$1.9M Stradivarius Stolen at Sandwich Shop

Two pricey bows were also in the case

'Beckham of Classical Music' Is Hit on Charts, With Ladies

David Garrett loves Metallica, sets world records

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?