Instrument Loan

Stradivarius has long been adored by both performers and luthiers(=violin-makers). The luthier's life can be categorized into a few periods. "Rainville" was made a little before his most skillfully enriched period, so called "Golden Period," 1700-1720. The top plate shows clear influence from his master, Amati. Boldness that characterizes his later years is not felt yet on this violin, but it has elegant body lines, and the beauty of its scroll cannot be described satisfactorily with any word. Its sound is also fabulous, and is characterized with its clearness and sweetness.
"Rainville" belonged to the late Mr. Norbert Brainin, who was the first violin of Amadeus String Quartet, one of the most excellent string quartets in the twentieth century. After his passing away, it was loaned to winners of Stradivarius Competition, organized by Forval Foundation, and then was taken over to our competition. It has seen numerous young violinists stand in the limelight and attract audience.

Master luthier Carlo Bergonzi was a successor of the Cremonese violin-making tradition that was started by Amati, and has sometimes been said to have surpassed his master, Antonio Stradivari. It is said that Carlo took over Stradivarius' manufacturing tools and materials after Antonio Stradivari's son, Omobono Stradivari passed away. Carlo's son, Michael Angelo was raised in such an environment like that and acquired skills. "Ex Mintz" is a violin made at his age of forty-two, when he was most skillfully enriched as a luthier. Wood cut for the back characterizes the violin and its golden yellow old varnish would give deep impression to anyone that touches it.
"Ex Mintz" has long been loved and played by Mr. Shlomo Mintz, who is one of the most renowned violinists in the world and the chief judge of our competition. Its powerful sound can be heard on many of his excellent recordings.

Nicolo Gagliano (c. 1710–1787) was a leading violin maker of the Neapolitan school in Italy, having learned his craft from his father, Alessandro Gagliano. The Gagliano family was at the heart of violin making in Naples, and among them, Nicolo is especially renowned for the high quality and refinement of his instruments. Violins made by Nicolo around 1765 are highly regarded for their exceptional acoustic and aesthetic qualities, and they continue to be highly valued by professional musicians today. Instruments from this period typically follow the Stradivari model, featuring elegant, well-proportioned forms and a soft, transparent reddish-brown varnish. The top is made of high-quality spruce, while the back is crafted from beautifully flamed maple, resulting in instruments that are visually striking as well. The sound of Nicolo’s violins is warm and rich, with particular depth in the middle and lower registers, making them highly suitable for both solo and chamber music. Due to their historical importance and musical excellence, Nicolo Gagliano’s instruments remain coveted by performers and collectors around the world.