Posted on 05/18/2006 7:02:19 AM PDT by sitetest
A Stradivarius violin almost 300 years old has smashed the record for the amount paid for a musical instrument at auction, selling for $3.5m (£1.8m). The instrument, made in 1707, broke the previous record of $2.03m (£1.07m) paid for a Stradivarius in 2003.
The buyer has not been revealed but Christie's in New York said he was a "benefactor and patron of the arts" who loves classical music.
It had been privately owned but was loaned to world-renowned orchestras.
The auction was tense, with gasps punctuating the bidding. A round of applause broke out when the price reached $3m (£1.5m).
"I have to admit it took my breath away," said Kerry Keane, head of the musical instrument department for the auction house.
He said the violin is likely to be heard in performances around the world following the purchase.
Superior sound
These violins produce a sound, a tonal quality, that is unrivalled by any other maker
Kerry Keane, Christies Antonio Stradivari is considered the most distinguished violin maker in the history of the instrument.
He crafted over 1,000 violins, violas and violoncellos, and was commissioned by King James II of England and King Charles III of Spain.
Stradivari's later works are said to be some of his most powerful sounding instruments and the most coveted by musicians.
"These violins produce a sound, a tonal quality, that is unrivalled by any other maker," said Mr Keane.
"When they're played you can hear it at the front of the hall, and you can hear it all the way up at the back in the cheap seats."
The instrument sold at Christie's is known as The Hammer, and is named after Christian Hammer, a 19th Century Swedish collector.
It was made during Stradivari's "golden period" of 1700-1720, and was brought to the United States in 1911.
Before the auction, Christies had valued the violin between $1.5m (£800,000) and $2.5m (£1.3m).
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We all know the buyer is Howard Dean. He is giving the instrument to Robert Byrd so he can play the Tennessee Waltz on it next time Willie Nelson comes over to smoke dope with him.
Huh, that's nothing. It probably would have gone for twice that on E-Bay!!
LOL!
Dear sgtbono2002,
Maybe they'll take it to Mr. Byrd's next Klan meeting.
;-)
sitetest
A friend of mine has a 250 year old violin that she plays daily. Last week, i saw her play a duet with one of her students, who is also very good. The difference in tone between the two violins was staggering.
Almost the difference between a transistor radio and a concert audio system.
A friend of mine has a 250 year old violin that she plays daily. Last week, I saw her play a duet with one of her students, who is also very good. The difference in tone between the two violins was staggering.
Almost the difference between a transistor radio and a concert audio system.
The thought of the words "Stradivarius" and "smashed" in the same sentence make me shudder. Even when it refers to record sale prices.
I bet that fellow that found his fathers strad hidden in the chicken coop recently is dancing on feathers!
Please remove me from the ping list.
No problem!
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