The ''Viotti; ex-Bruce Stradivarius'' of 1709 is an antique

violin The violin, sometimes known as a '' fiddle'', is a wooden chordophone ( string instrument) in the violin family. Most violins have a hollow wooden body. It is the smallest and thus highest-pitched instrument ( soprano) in the family in regu ...

constructed by luthier

Antonio Stradivari Antonio Stradivari (, also , ; – 18 December 1737) was an Italian luthier and a craftsman of string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas and harps. The Latinized form of his surname, '' Stradivarius'', as well as the collo ...

of Cremona (1644–1737). It is one of only 700 known extant

Stradivari Antonio Stradivari (, also , ; – 18 December 1737) was an Italian luthier and a craftsman of string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas and harps. The Latinized form of his surname, '' Stradivarius'', as well as the collo ...

instruments. The violin receives its name from its first known owner, violinist

Giovanni Battista Viotti Giovanni Battista Viotti (12 May 1755 – 3 March 1824) was an Italian violinist whose virtuosity was famed and whose work as a composer featured a prominent violin and an appealing lyrical tunefulness. He was also a director of French and Italia ...

, who is said to have received it as a love token from Catherine the Great. Viotti is thought to have commissioned the construction of at least one replica of this violin. Subsequent owners include Mr. Menessier, 1824; Mr Brochant de Villiers; Mr Meunié, 1860;

Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (7 October 1798 – 19 March 1875) was a French luthier, businessman, inventor and winner of many awards. His workshop made over 3,000 instruments. Early life Vuillaume was born in Mirecourt, where his father and g ...

; Pierre Silvestre, on behalf of William E. Hill & Sons, 1897; Baron Knoop, 1897; Mr R. C. Baker, 1905; Lewis Bruce; and J. F. L. Bruce, after whom it is also named. The ''Viotti; ex-Bruce Stradivarius'', considered in very good condition, and free of the wear and repairs evinced by many other instruments of the period, was last purchased by the Royal Academy of Music, for GB£3.5 million in September 2005. Its provenance was also a major factor in the violin's valuation. Funding was provided by

HM Government ga, Rialtas a Shoilse gd, Riaghaltas a Mhòrachd , image = HM Government logo.svg , image_size = 220px , image2 = Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (HM Government).svg , image_size2 = 180px , caption = Royal Arms , date_es ...

in lieu of Inheritance Tax, and by the National Art Collections Fund, the

National Heritage Memorial Fund The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) was set up in 1980 to save the most outstanding parts of the British national heritage, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. It replaced the National Land Fund which had fulfilled the ...

and many private donors. The instrument will be displayed in the York Gate Collections, the Academy's free museum and research centre. The ''Viotti ex-Bruce'' will be heard as well as seen: the instrument will be played sparingly, under very controlled circumstances, at research events and occasional performances elsewhere. As one of the greatest virtuoso violinists of his day, Viotti was very influential in the field of instrumental technique. His advocacy of Stradivarius violins was also key to the recognition of their maker as the foremost of all luthiers. Viotti owned two Stradivari violins of 1709. The other instrument, which was subsequently owned by Marie Hall, is now owned by the Chi-Mei Collection. He also owned a Stradivari violin of 1712, which became part of the Henry Hottinger Collection. Since 1965, it has been owned by Isaac Hurwitz. See

List of Stradivarius instruments This is a list of Stradivarius string instruments made by members of the house of Antonio Stradivari. Stradivarius instruments Violins This list has 282 entries. Early period: 1666–1699 Golden period: 1700–1725 Late period: 1726–17 ...

References

External links

* * {{cite web , title=The Art Fund: The Viotti ex-Bruce Violin , url=http://www.artfund.org/artwork/9441/the-viotti-ex-bruce-violin , publisher=The Art Fund , date=2008 , access-date=2008-07-31 1709 works Stradivari violins Royal Academy of Music Stradivari instruments

See also

References

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