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Dec 29th, 2008
Stradivarius--just the mere name indicates the most honored, prestigious and rare of all musical instruments. San Diego Symphony is home to such an instrument made by craftsman Antonio Stradivari in 1708. In this case, the violin named Sir Bagshawe in honor of the 19th century owner is still going strong--in fact 300 years strong. And on Wednesday, January 14, the Symphony will mark this milestone with an anniversary celebration at its Beethoven Recital led by music director Jahja Ling at Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall. The Sir Bagshawe, on loan from Joan and Irwin Jacobs, has been played by concertmaster Jeff Thayer since 2004. But the 300th anniversary is an ideal occasion to reintroduce the instrument to the public and once again demonstrate the quality and beauty of this masterpiece in craftsmanship.
Made by Antonio Stradivari of Cremona, Italy in 1708, this particular Stradivarius was owned by Sir William Bagshawe in 1837 and restored by his grandson in 1891. The top of this violin is made from two pieces of spruce with fine grain broadening toward the flanks. The back is made from one piece of maple with a medium curl descending from left to right. The ribs and original scroll are made from similar stock to that of the back of the violin. The varnish is orange-red in color. The Sir Bagshawe is a handsome and characteristic example of the maker's work and is in excellent condition.
Antonio Stradivari
Antonio Stradivari was born in 1644 and established his shop in Cremona, Italy where he remained active until his death on December 18 (or 19), 1737. His interpretation of geometry and design for the violin has served as a conceptual model for violinmakers for more than 250 years.
Stradivari fixed the exact shape and position of the sound holes. He definitively settled the shape and details of the bridge, which cannot be altered in the slightest degree without in some way injuring the tone of the instrument. The only essential part of the violin that has had to be changed since Stradivari?s time is the brass bar. Due to the gradual rise in pitch, the increased pressure of the strings demands an increased power of resistance in the bar underneath the bridge. Thus, it has been found necessary to re-bar all the old violins and violoncellos.
In addition to violins, Stradivari also made harps, guitars, violas and cellos?more than 1,100 instruments in all by current estimate. Approximately 650 of these instruments survive today.
"San Diego Symphony is quite proud of such a wonderful and prestigious instrument. This rare violin, beautifully played by our concertmaster, is just another example of our continuing progress in bringing musical excellence to San Diego audiences," states Edward B. Gill, executive director of the San Diego Symphony.
The Sir Bagshawe Stradivarius was purchased for an undisclosed amount through Reuning & Sons Violins of Boston, Massachusetts. The company bills itself as "Connoisseurs and Dealers in Violins, Violas, Cellos and Their Bows." Located in the city's South End--the largest Victorian historical district in the country--Reuning & Sons is located in the Electric Carriage House on Columbus Avenue.
The world's largest collection of Stradivarius instruments belongs to the King of Spain and is exhibited at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Come Hear the Stradivarius
As the New Year begins, the "Strad" will be prominently featured at the Beethoven Festival in mid-January. The actual 300th anniversary celebration will take place at the Beethoven Recital at the Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall on Wednesday, January 14; 7:30 p.m., with an announcement from stage and post-concert cake reception for all audience members.
For this one-night-only, music director Jahja Ling will temporarily put down his baton and take his place at the piano with concertmaster Jeff Thayer on violin to perform Beethoven?s Sonata No. 5 for Piano and Violin, Spring. Then Mr. Ling will perform Piano Sonata No. 14, Opus 27, No. 2, Moonlight. Later in the evening, San Diego Symphony musicians Jisan Yang (associate principal violinist) and Yao Zhao (principal cellist) will join guest pianist Anne-Marie McDermott to perform Beethoven?s Piano Trio No. 7, Archduke.
Jahja Ling Welcomes his wife, pianist Jessie Chang, cellist Carter Brey
San Diego Symphony's Beethoven Festival with Jahja Ling conducting, along with Jeff Thayer will continue over two weekends at Copley Symphony Hall: January
9-10-11 and 16-17-18. The first weekend will feature Jahja Ling's wife, pianist Jessie Chang, guest cellist Carter Brey and concertmaster Jeff Thayer performing Beethoven's Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano, Triple. Following intermission, Ms. Chang will return to the stage along with the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Master Chorale for Beethoven's Fantasia for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra, Choral Fantasy. The following weekend (January 16-17-18), Anne-Marie McDermott will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1. Also on the weekend program Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 and Leonore Overture No. 3
Click here to download this news release and details on the Beethoven Festival and Beethoven Recital.
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