The Sound of the Stradivari Violin – between Tradition and Modernism

Abstract

The Stradivari violin had classical instrument manufacturing reach its peak and is also a landmark for consecrated creators and performers. Reproducing the unique sound has been a challenge for luthiers all around the world. At the same time preserving the sound quality and implicitly the instruments themselves remains a difficult task especially for the Museum in Cremona which has undertaken the responsibility of keeping a history page intact. An important step in this direction was taken in 2017, with the international project of the electronic library for the original sound of the Vesuvius violin, one of Antonio Stradivari’s gems. The technical team who successfully completed the project redefined high-quality sampling from a new perspective. Due to it, instrumental music composers can refine their creative discourse inspired by authentic, brilliant sonic material.