A historic violin crafted in 1714 by the renowned luthier Antonio Stradivari was auctioned in New York for $11.3 million on Friday. Although this price is impressive, it fell short of initial estimates predicting a sale between $12 million and $18 million. The auction had raised hopes that this Stradivari could exceed the previous record of $15.9 million for a violin sold at auction over ten years ago.
Named the “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius,” this violin is celebrated as one of Stradivari’s masterpieces, created during his Golden Period when his skill was at its peak. Notably, this instrument is believed to have played a role in the history of classical music, having influenced the famous composer Johannes Brahms when he wrote his “Violin Concerto in D Major.” The violin was even used during the concerto’s premiere in 1879.
Mari-Claudia Jimenez, chair at Sotheby’s, remarked on the significance of the sale, calling the violin an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship that captures the attention of collectors and musicians alike. “The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius achieved one of the highest prices ever for a musical instrument, reflecting its rarity and historical value,” she said.
The bidding at Sotheby’s started at $8 million and quickly escalated to $10 million, but despite the excitement in the room, the auctioneer Phyllis Kao could not secure a bid over that amount. Finally, with a gavel bang, the violin was sold for $10 million, a figure which includes auction fees.
The name of this instrument honors two exceptional violinists, Joseph Joachim from Hungary and Si-Hon Ma from China. The estate of Ma generously donated the violin to the New England Conservatory in Boston after his passing.
The proceeds from this sale are set to have a significant impact, as they will be used to fund student scholarships at the conservatory. Andrea Kalyn, the president of the New England Conservatory, expressed excitement over the sale, stating, “This sale is transformational for future students and will create the largest named endowed scholarship at our institution. We are eager to see the legacy of the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius continue to thrive on the international stage.”
