Stradivarius

Stradivarius
– enchantingly beautiful and flawless
A
ntonio Stradivari’s (1644–1737) name is associated with
the highest quality possible. If Rembrandt, Shakespeare and
Einstein are the giants in their field, Stradivari can be also included
in the pantheon. This master, who lived in Cremona, developed the
art of violin making to such a level that it has not proven possible
to better it despite numerous attempts.
S
tradivari developed a violin design that most still consider to be
the ideal. Known as the “golden design”, it was created around
1700, and the master continued to turn out exceptionally fine instruments for
another 25 years. It is impossible to find any actual weaknesses in these
instruments from Stradivari’s “golden period”: they are aesthetically elegant and
technically flawless. Simply as a craftsman, there cannot be many like Stradivari in
the history of the world.
I
n Finland, there are a few violins made by Stradivari, but as far as is known,
there is only one instrument from the golden period, which is owned by the
Pohjola Bank Art Foundation. This violin, made in 1702, was acquired for the
Foundation’s collection in 1986. The Stradivarius, which originally belonged to
the collection of Harry Wahl, who was from Vyborg, became something of a
media event on its arrival in Finland from the United States.
T
he Foundation’s Stradivarius has a harmonious shape
and is similarly distinctive with its slightly
a symmetrical shape. The instrument’s front and back are
well-rounded: maximum intensity of sound has not been
the objective, but a rich scale of colour and tones. Typical
of Stradivariuses is the virtually unlimited range of
various nuances that can be produced from the
instruments. Naturally, the finish of the violin’s details
is perfect.
T
he Foundation’s Stradivarius is now being
played by Réka Szilvay. The violin’s previous
holder was Antti Tikkanen.