Stradivarius Violin, "Elman", 1722

[@johnbat6743]

This violin is just divine to listen to ❤️

[@christineayres7199]

300 years old exactly now amazing

[@williamkauffman5745]

interesting story: thirty five years ago I was a student in Washington, D.C. I went to the shop of a violin maker who worked in a large set of rooms in China town on the second or third floor of a old building. He advertised that he made and sold instruments to the national symphony orchestra. I asked to play his finest violin. He brought one out from a back room. I played the Sarabande of Bach's D minor Partita. The violin literally came alive in my hands. I asked him about the instrument; he told me it was a master work. I would guess that playing the violin in this video gave you the same experience I had at that time.

[@aTonalHits]

I love how you write that- it 'came alive in my hands'. There's a certain little jolt of electricity that shoots through you when you feel this connection to an instrument- without a doubt, this is one of the finest I've ever played! But it's funny, I wouldn't give up the one I play for it- or, I suppose I would, given enough convincing- but because even though there's this instant connection, my instrument has been carried around and played by me for the last decade. It's a bit cliché, but so much of myself has gone into it that I'd be quite loathe to give it up! I suppose the same can be said of every instrument out there- including the way Elman felt about his violin! :)

[@lrstaf6]

@@aTonalHits Every instrument that I have built is like the next thing to a child to me. I have given several of them away to those who will love and play the instrument, but I have never been able to bring myself to sell one. It would be like selling the instrument into slavery. Perhaps because of the way you feel about your instrument, you can understand how I feel about the ones that I build. I believe that Stradivarius felt similarly.

[@judithmendenhall8091]

I wake up and see an aTonalHits email in my inbox. Despite the pressure to attend to so many other items, I tune in and listen. As with every other time, I know there's richness here. I become instantly intrigued by Katha's beautiful playing and narrative. I now start my day inspired and renewed. Judith Mendenhall

[@aTonalHits]

Judith, this is one of the kindest comments we've ever gotten! Thank you so much! The goal is always to bring a little more music, and sometimes a little more history, into people's inboxes every Sunday. We are so glad that you look forward to our videos, I can't tell you how much it means to us. To many, many more! Thank you! :)

[@shanespruiell93]

I've watched lots of videos with strads, and the tone one this violin is to die for!

[@shanespruiell93]

And perhaps the most beautiful in appearance, too.

[@aTonalHits]

I know, this instrument is- just complete perfection! So elegant, such a refined sound. Glad I could show it to you all! :)

[@themusiccovenant]

Amazing

[@colinbateman8233]

I can imagine the emotion you must have experienced knowing the history behind this beautiful instrument being given the opportunity to play a inspiring us to understand as the great from high bend ear to listen Provo

[@markmanriquez3208]

Love this clip so much I can watch it like 3× a week lol .

[@jerrychaput2529]

Absolutely wonderful 😎🌴

[@mikelam8008]

You play beautifully!

[@joelatenciocastillo3581]

Awesome. No words. 💕

[@barnabas5106]

I love the old violins . Ive got an antique J Thiebouville and Lamy french violin from 1920 100 years old . Nothing like the strads

[@tonymaries1652]

I also have a JTL, estimated to have been made about 1900. A decent instrument but nobody will ever record on it.

[@williamkauffman5745]

the instrument sounds great and is in excellent condition; enjoyed learning about Joseph Joachim. I play an exact replica of the 1731 Guiseppe Guanerius instrument. Old instruments are the most fascinating

[@aTonalHits]

They certainly are! Like I mentioned in this video, I love that each old instrument has such a personal history. It's kind of amazing that these instruments outlive us, and no matter how much the times change, they still power on in beautiful condition, playing the same music across centuries, and even adding some new works to their repertoire!

[@HenJack-vl5cb]

When the fortune decides to meet great instrument with amazing musicians,the result is suchlike.

[@user-nw8ki2xf2y]

I'm really sorry, but where can I buy violins like Stradivari or Guarneri? and how much is that??

[@williamkauffman5745]

@@user-nw8ki2xf2y contact "Weaver House of Violins" in Washington, DC. You can find their website on the internet

[@MarioCalzadaMusic]

Wow! This is crazy serious

[@muhchung]

Wow!! Joachim and Elman!!

[@bh9257]

Very nice!

[@Henrydrn1]

The unmistakable Stradivari sound. To my ears Guarneri violins have a sound that's too mellow and "dark." Stradivarius violins seem to communicate emotions like no other instrument. It can make you feel like dancing and celebrating one moment and have you in tears the next. To my ears Amati is the next best sounding violin.

[@billace90]

Well said. Very interesting and accurate description. In 1999 I had the distinct pleasure of having the opportunity to play a very rare, circa 1580 Gasparo da Salò (Brescia) that belonged to a collector friend who is also a violinist, while visiting him with other fellow violinists in Boston. By your account, this Gasparo sounded like the Guarneri you describe. The powerful warm sound coming from the G and D strings cannot be described. And the instrument’s projection was unbelievable. As you can imagine, that was an unforgettable moment in my life.

[@matikramer9648]

Thank you

[@billace90]

Thank you for the upload. Your choice of music as well as the execution was excellent. That Strad is a beauty. And it has such a beautiful, clean, powerful sound. (I know, it’s a Strad...). I bet it would have lot of projection at any Concert Hall venue.

[@aTonalHits]

This would be a beauty in any concert hall! It's a gorgeous instrument :)

[@robertoa.m.3984]

Congrats on your flawless intonation. I love the Bach Chaconne but have always found that’s a problem with the majority of violinists. Love your comments on the Joachim and on his person. He was also a good composer. His Hungarian Concerto was a great favorite of DFTovey. You look especially pretty on this video. Love your lipstick! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@denniswillmott3897]

You certainly get a very round fat rich tone out of this instrument, very moving!

[@cooldude5699]

Yet her tone sounds quite different from Mischa Elman.

[@jankodera5811]

It is so good to hear these finest instruments were in the hands of best masters. To the contrary to rich people keeping the other masterpieces for their vanity and greed.

[@lrstaf6]

Hi; I also watched your video on the 1713 Strad. It seems like everyone has a theory on what makes a Strad play the way it does. They think it's the shape of the top and back plates or the thickness or the finish or maybe the purfling. Some think its the exact thicknesses of the plates or the overall measurements. I build string instruments as a hobby and I can tell you, Its being made by a master that knew what he was doing in every aspect of building and finishing the instrument. All the way from choosing the woods, ageing and storing them, constructing the instrument, the glue he used, the finish he used, how much of each and most important of all that part of himself that he put into each instrument. No craftsmen can ever exactly duplicate the work of another. It's the part of his life he put into the instrument, his love of music and his craft. So, if I had to say one thing it would be his love of what he was doing with his life. In conclusion I would say do what you love to do with your life and do it with every fiber of your being.

[@aTonalHits]

This is so lovely! I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you for watching, and sharing your beautiful thoughts! :)

[@AlexRiversMusic]

Heaven ❤️

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

Among everything else......I love the photos of the great masters. So elegant.

[@stevehutchesson1321]

Saying a Strad is a good one is nothing new but I do like this violin, depth, clean edge, responsive and with an interesting history of previous owners and players. I really enjoy these instrument demonstrations, keep up the good work. Playing was pretty slick too. :)

[@robotnik77]

That violin looks like it's been extremely well cared for. The varnish still looks fresh !! The richest sounding violin I ever played (and coveted) was an ugly (the varnish had turned dark brown) Bergonzi that belonged to someone else. Sometimes I wish I hadn't heard it, or played it. I've been trying to find a cheaper violin that approximated that sound ever since. It's been a 40 year fruitless hunt. There was (surprisingly) another violin that I didn't expect to have such a big voice, and that was an old Roth. Paganini had his cannon, and the old E.H. Roth could project like a cannon, too, but not as sweetly. Of the two you played here, I thought the 2nd had a special sound (the 1713).

[@bcarr1122]

Thanks for your video! I've got an indirect familiarity with the Elman; how nice to see it again.

[@laurencelebeustclair6844]

listen to many violinists but emulate none Katha do not lose yourself ever

[@adelinopereira4645]

I would like to hear a short piece demonstrating the Elman tone .

[@robertoa.m.3984]

I have always enjoyed the anecdote about Hefetz’s debut at CH. Apparently Elman was there with his accompanist when he said “It’s hot in here” and his A answered “ not for pianists!”.....😅😅😅

[@Henrydrn1]

It almost feels like Stradivari's soul is inside the violin and his soul awakens when someone picks it up and starts playing it.

[@Jeff034]

❤

[@sandyblond20]

way nice

[@SKF358]

To be so talented and that good looking? Awesome.

[@floridian2023]

W.O.W.

[@michaelmirowski8907]

Thank you for these videos! One observation: you play a lot of chords, which makes it difficult (for me, anyway) to really hear the tone of each instrument, especially when comparing them. I hope you're able to continue enjoying these wonderful violins!

[@lostpoem1725]

It is incredible how the old-world 'golden age' players of the past each had their own recognisable sound, Elman (as you mention), also Milstein, Heifetz and Kreisler probably at the top of the list of people you can instantly recognise. Ricci's theory: the advent of travel by air destroyed the 'sound' particular and unique to the 'schools' of music (e.g. French, Russian, Belgian) as fiddlers could jet-set around much quicker and so styles travelled across borders fast before getting all mixed up and disappearing. But that's only part of the story, I think it also has to do with the old world they lived in. Possibly also all the greatest players moved to the States?

[@hoatran-rq1ip]

This woman is like the life's completion of love.

[@tmurphy4523]

I’m a new subscriber and I greatly enjoy the series. Perhaps one day you may also explore the top contemporary makers. Thank you again for the videos.

[@aTonalHits]

That is what I hope to do! The state of things at the moment has put a bit of a halt to our plans, but- we'll all get there! Any contemporary maker in particular you would like to hear?

[@haskomeyer4924]

@@aTonalHits Gruszow/Baumblatt, Justin Hess, David Leonard Wiedmer, Philip Ihle would be interesting

[@MarshallAmpMan]

who is this beautiful talented lass?

[@Mns_87]

Such a cool video. Has anyone done a blind sound test to see if violins can discern between strads and high-quality strad replicas?

[@aTonalHits]

Yes! You can actually probably youtube it- and the results are fascinating, because half the time violinists can't tell the difference. Honestly, each violin just has a soul of it's own- I probably got lucky with these two Strads, because I think they're both gorgeous. That being said, some of the instruments I've played in this series haven't been my favorites, some of them I've downright been not thrilled about. Some not well known makers were super interesting and exciting to play- and above it all, I decided I wouldn't give up my instrument for anything, even being offered a Strad. So... it's a tricky one. It all depends on the player and the instrument together in that moment!

[@Mojokiss]

well now that violin sounds great. the example of the modern violin. even tho its 300 years old.

[@johnalexander301]

Fantastic production. History, art, music, just beautiful. Thank you! Most of us will never own, play or even hold a Strad. It’s funny how there are millions of violins new and old that are labeled copies of a Strad yet sound or look nothing like the originals.

[@JazzBear]

Such a wonderful and rich history. Thank you for sharing it with us all. Just out of curiosity, what type of violin do you play?

[@aTonalHits]

Thank you for watching! And, I would so love to get into a conversation about what I play- but for security reasons, I decided not to get into that publicly. I hope you understand! But it is a total diva, and a complete powerhouse, and I love it :) and is decidedly not a Strad!

[@JazzBear]

aTonalHits Gotcha. Well, I have a Gagliano and a Carlo Bergonzi. But these days when I tour I leave those at home. I have a Romanian violin that I tour with.

[@maelperron_guerra4946]

@@JazzBear it's so nice to have money...

[@enealiviu4797]

@@aTonalHits the way you describe that violin it's probably a Guarnieri or Amati.

[@enealiviu4797]

@@maelperron_guerra4946 Yeah i still play on a 100 usd violin after 3 years of playing.

[@cellolion6631]

Your program is great! Thank you for your careful and interesting research. An unanswered question is this: have you noticed that certain brands of strings seem to help these older instruments sound their best?

[@aTonalHits]

Hm.. that's a tough one. I personally prefer Obligatos and Evah Pirazzi's, but that's my opinion! I've noticed that a lot of these instruments are either of those, or Dominants. All three are pretty good- Dominants are a cheaper option that gets a lot of flak, but hey, Hilary Hahn uses them, and they are really good bang for the buck!

[@violinmaker4271]

Fun videos! Always make sure you pick up a Strad only by the neck not on the body.

[@palladin331]

YOU MUST STOP HANDLING THE VIOLINS BY THE BODIES! DO NOT TOUCH THE VARNISH UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

It will be amazing if you could make n the future find what is still original on this violins. Many many of them have the necks replaced and other parts. It will be more fear I think. Thank you !

[@aTonalHits]

I’ll definitely start looking into that, the next time I get to be around these instruments! Thanks for watching!

[@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c]

Really makes you think which musician should be honored with being allowed to play this instrument. Maybe Hilary, she gets pieces written for her all the time so this violin could continue premiering repertoire but I doubt she would give up her j.b vuillaume copy of il cannone regardless of which instrument you give her.

[@patriciajrs46]

I wish you would not make it sound like harsh train horn. Subtle sounds bring out the real beauty. Liked those softer notes much more.

[@williamtomkiel8215]

Delightful in my dialed in / treated ATMOS 5.3.4 HT -tho in stereo but as any normal audio enthusiast may discern the room and the engineering crew are perhaps even more important, otherwise, it's just another violin . . .

[@dylanguempel9024]

Send this woman too twoset

[@5743dan]

too bad you don't show the back of this beautiful instrument.... closeups would be great!

[@Sweeps]

Hey, I haven’t been able to find what song this is. Can someone help? 1:01

[@ah925]

Bach Partita no. 2 in D minor 'Chaconne"

[@Sweeps]

spicy thank you so much

[@ottokarvonschnallenburg2572]

Does anybody sing?

[@معاذالكويتي-ب6ب]

Is it for sale?

[@my-sk3iv]

yes elman somthing else ... even strad cant buy you that tone

[@palladin331]

Joachim owned no fewer that 12 Strads: 1698, 1708, 1714 (3), 1715 (3), 1722 (2), 1723, 1727 (not to mention a del Gesu and two Guadagninis among others). He lived until 1907. To say that this 1722 Strad, which he sold in 1878, was his main instrument throughout his long and amazing career is incorrect. He didn't 'do it all' on any one instrument.

[@ottokarvonschnallenburg2572]

This instrument is in a museum? What an incredible shame...

[@blankpallet2435]

to me looks thicker and wider than most ,but i play guitar but could be wrong , i remember rock guys said classical players dont have timing , i was like the guys who play all their lives and read music ,buddy you cant play without timing lol

[@aTonalHits]

Yeah... I promise we have timing, lol! But timing is a very different beast when it comes to rock vs. classical. I've never played in a band, but I sing with my ukulele- not that that is the same thing at all- but it IS a totally different thing from playing the violin or piano!

[@wric01]

Stradivari has brine soaked wood.

[@juliejules7780]

All violins should cost $5. I hate how snobby the violin world is.

[@rohanfernandes214]

Your tone sounds very different from Mischa Elman.

[@jmg1884]

You can't tune this violin????? The instrument is out of tune!!!!

[@aTonalHits]

Apologies! Often when I tune the instruments, they've been unplayed for so long that they go right out of tune almost immediately, and then it's too late! It's more about the tone quality however. Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@enealiviu4797]

Wow a perfect pitch guy!

[@lemon6757]

Do violins sounds age

[@mikywaterpolo6636]

I. Have. A. Real. Good. Copy. Of. Stradi

[@mikywaterpolo6636]

Live. In. Mexico. City. Is in the. Family. For. More. than. 100. Years

[@constantinpobirci829]

Am1 din1737 o vand

[@marcvilleneuve1889]

The talking and playing ( out of tune) are so annoying...

[@trade_design23]

I have to say, that after watching more than a few of your violin reviews. You Never seem to play anything pretty on these instruments. You always pick some old teeth rattling song or just practice 10ths and such that should awful. Can't you ever play some nice gentle and pretty classical music? You history of the violins is interesting, but your song list needs a major update.

[@tomsmart1970]

Why don't you post some videos of yourself playing your preferred "pretty classical music"? Problem solved.

[@shaloihui394]

speak too much

[@777rogerf]

How rude.