Stradivarius: The Mystique, The Masterpieces, and The Stories
Few names in the world of music evoke as much reverence and intrigue as Stradivarius. Antonio Stradivari’s instruments are more than just violins, violas, and cellos—they are timeless masterpieces that bridge the worlds of art, history, and performance.
On this page, you’ll discover the top ten most valuable Stradivarius instruments, explore upcoming auctions including the highly anticipated Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, and uncover tales of daring thefts like the infamous Lipinski case.
Dive into the rich history of Stradivari’s Golden Period, the science behind their legendary sound, and the modern fascination with these iconic creations that have captivated musicians and collectors for centuries.
Top Ten Most Valuable Stradivarius Instruments
1. The Messiah (Salabue)
- Value: Estimated over $200 million (not sold in recent history)
- Last Known Sale: Acquired by the Hill family in 1890; now housed at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
- History: Crafted in 1716 during Stradivari’s Golden Period, the Messiah remains in pristine condition, having been barely played. It is celebrated as the ultimate example of Stradivari’s craftsmanship.
2. The Lady Blunt
- Value: Sold for $15.9 million in 2011
- Last Known Sale: Tarisio Auctions, proceeds donated to Japan’s earthquake relief fund.
- History: Named after Lady Anne Blunt, granddaughter of Lord Byron, this 1721 violin is one of the best-preserved Stradivarius instruments, with minimal restoration work.
3. The Molitor
- Value: Sold for $3.6 million in 2010
- Last Known Sale: Tarisio Auctions.
- History: Believed to have been owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, this 1697 violin exhibits an extraordinary tonal range. It was named after a 19th-century owner, Juliette Récamier’s associate, Count Gabriel Jean Joseph Molitor.
4. The Hammer
- Value: Sold for $3.54 million in 2006
- Last Known Sale: Christie’s Auction.
- History: Named after Christian Hammer, a 19th-century Swedish collector, this 1707 violin epitomizes the refined craftsmanship of Stradivari’s Golden Period.
5. The General Kyd
- Value: Estimated $10 million
- Last Known Sale: Private transaction, details undisclosed.
- History: This violin, crafted in 1714, is named after a British Army officer. It has been passed through several collectors and performers over the centuries.
6. The Ex-Vieuxtemps
- Value: Estimated $16 million
- Last Known Sale: Sold to an anonymous buyer, reportedly on lifetime loan to Anne Akiko Meyers.
- History: This 1741 Stradivarius is named after the Belgian violinist Henri Vieuxtemps and is celebrated for its rich, warm sound.
7. The Soil
- Value: Estimated over $20 million
- Last Known Sale: Private transaction in the 1980s.
- History: This 1714 masterpiece was once owned by violinist Yehudi Menuhin and later Itzhak Perlman. It is revered for its exceptional tonal quality and playability.
8. The Davidov
- Value: Estimated $8 million
- Last Known Sale: On loan to renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
- History: This 1712 cello was famously played by Jacqueline du Pré. Its deep, resonant tones make it a favorite for classical performances.
9. The Sarasate
- Value: Estimated $7 million
- Last Known Sale: Private transaction.
- History: Named after Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate, this 1724 violin showcases Stradivari’s mastery of both tone and aesthetics.
10. The Ex-Kreisler
- Value: Estimated $10 million
- Last Known Sale: Loaned to virtuoso violinist Nikolaj Znaider.
- History: Crafted in 1733, this violin was owned by the legendary Fritz Kreisler and is known for its remarkable projection and depth.
These ten Stradivarius instruments not only represent the pinnacle of violin-making but also carry rich histories intertwined with some of the greatest names in music and culture. Their values reflect not only their exceptional craftsmanship but also their historical and artistic significance.
Honorable Mention: The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius
- Value: Estimated $12,000,000 – $18,000,000
- Auction Date: Scheduled for Sotheby’s New York on 7 February 2025
- History: This exquisite violin, attributed to Stradivari’s Golden Period, has been played by both the legendary violinist Joseph Joachim and contemporary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Its unparalleled tonal brilliance and rich history make it a strong contender to join the top ten most valuable Stradivarius instruments.
Bid on the auction here: Sotheby’s – The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius
The History of Stradivarius Masterpieces
Few names resonate with as much mystique and reverence in the world of music as that of Antonio Stradivari. Born in Cremona, Italy, in 1644, Stradivari became the most renowned luthier in history, crafting string instruments—violins, violas, cellos, and guitars—that have become synonymous with unparalleled excellence.
His creations, known collectively as Stradivarius instruments, are celebrated for their extraordinary tonal quality and artistry, inspiring generations of musicians and collectors alike.
Stradivari’s Early Life and Training
Stradivari’s early years remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. It is widely believed that he apprenticed with Nicolò Amati, a master luthier of the Cremonese school. Amati’s influence is evident in Stradivari’s early work, which featured the elegant curves and precise craftsmanship characteristic of his mentor’s instruments.
Stradivari quickly distinguished himself by experimenting with design and acoustics, pushing the boundaries of instrument-making.
The Golden Period
Stradivari’s career reached its zenith during what is now referred to as his “Golden Period,” spanning roughly from 1700 to 1725.
Instruments from this era, including the “Soil” Stradivarius (1714) and the “Lady Blunt” Stradivarius (1721), are considered masterpieces.
During this time, Stradivari refined his designs, creating violins with slightly longer bodies, wider bouts, and a deeper, richer sound.
He also used varnishes with a distinct golden-red hue, adding a visual allure that matched the instruments’ auditory brilliance.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Stradivari’s meticulous attention to detail extended to his choice of materials. He used spruce for the top plate, maple for the back and sides, and ebony for fingerboards and fittings.
His varnishes, the exact composition of which remains a subject of speculation, played a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetic and acoustic properties of his instruments.
The measurements of the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin are:
Length of Back: 355 mm
Upper Bouts: 166.5 mm
Middle Bouts: 109.5 mm
Lower Bouts: 206 mm
Modern researchers suggest that the unique properties of Stradivarius instruments may also stem from the density and age of the wood, influenced by the climatic conditions of the Little Ice Age.
Legacy and Influence
Antonio Stradivari is believed to have crafted over 1,100 instruments during his lifetime, of which approximately 650 survive today.
These instruments are prized possessions of museums, private collectors, and professional musicians.
The violins, in particular, have been played by some of the world’s greatest virtuosos, including Niccolò Paganini, Fritz Kreisler, and Itzhak Perlman.
Stradivari’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the standards and techniques of violin-making for centuries. His sons, Francesco and Omobono, carried on the family tradition, though their work never achieved the acclaim of Antonio’s masterpieces.
Modern Appreciation and Controversies
Stradivarius instruments are not only cherished for their musical qualities but also valued as works of art and historical artifacts. They have fetched record-breaking sums at auctions, with the “Lady Blunt” selling for $15.9 million in 2011.
However, the instruments have also been at the center of debates regarding their superiority.
Blind tests have occasionally shown that modern violins can rival, or even surpass, Stradivarius instruments in tonal quality. Despite this, the allure of a Stradivarius—imbued with centuries of history and mystique—remains unmatched.
Antonio Stradivari’s masterpieces continue to captivate the world, transcending the boundaries of time and space. They are more than mere instruments; they are enduring symbols of human ingenuity and artistic perfection.
Whether displayed in museums or played on the grandest stages, Stradivarius instruments embody the pinnacle of craftsmanship, a legacy that has yet to be equaled in the annals of music history.
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The Stradivarius on the FBI Top Ten List
Among the rare and storied Stradivarius instruments, one violin holds a unique place in modern history—as a centerpiece of a high-profile theft. The 1715 “Lipinski” Stradivarius, valued at over $5 million, made headlines in 2014 when it was stolen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during a violent robbery. Its inclusion on the FBI’s Top Ten Art Crimes list highlights the global allure and vulnerability of these historic masterpieces.
The theft occurred after a concert at Wisconsin Lutheran College, where the violin was being played by concertmaster Frank Almond. As Almond walked to his car, he was attacked with a stun gun, and the thieves escaped with the violin in a carefully planned operation. The Lipinski’s disappearance sent shockwaves through the classical music world, with law enforcement agencies and art theft experts scrambling to recover the priceless artifact.
Fortunately, the FBI’s Art Crime Team, known for its expertise in recovering stolen cultural treasures, successfully located the violin in less than two weeks. It was found undamaged in a suitcase stored in a friend’s attic, and its safe return marked a rare triumph in the often murky world of art crime. The two perpetrators, Salah Salahadyn and Universal K. Allah, were swiftly apprehended and sentenced for their roles in the heist.
The Lipinski Stradivarius’ recovery was not just a victory for law enforcement but also a testament to the dedication of musicians, collectors, and cultural institutions to preserve these extraordinary instruments. The violin itself carries a remarkable history, having been owned by violinist Karol Lipiński, for whom it is named, and later played by acclaimed musicians such as Evi Liivak and Frank Almond. Its story, intertwined with both high art and high crime, underscores the enduring mystique and value of Stradivarius instruments.
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