The Stradivari Mythos
It must have been love that drove the master violin maker Antonio Giacomo Stradivari (circa 1644-1737), who lived in the northern Italian city of Cremona, to provide a perfect sound to complement the musical perfection of the compositions of his time. It must have been his love and his extraordinary talent for that sound that enters the soul through the human ear, and which enabled him to make instruments of a sound quality that remains unmatched to this day.  
It is this sound phenomenon that still remains a mystery to scientists of different disciplines: is it the particularly hard dry wood that grew in that “little Ice Age” (16th to 18th centuries) and was used as the material for the instruments? is it the special varnish with its many layers? is it the master’s gift of craftsmanship? It remains a mystery, which over the centuries has become a myth which still baffles and amazes us.  
 
The unique image of the instruments made by Stradivari has always been reflected in the expressive power of the playing. Quality and myth have made Stradivari one of the best known cult (and cultural) brands in the world. Just the name “Stradivari” has a special drawing
power that promises an unforgettable event, whether it be in the concert hall or in private music making events.  
 
Of 1100 legendary stringed instruments which the industrious and tireless Stradivari made right into his old age, around 650 invaluable treasures remain, including an estimated nine violas and 50 cellos.
 
Only the best musicians have had the honour of playing these instruments, people like Niccolo Paganini and Isaac Stern. We consider ourselves fortunate.