Posted on 07/17/2005 9:35:07 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Antonius Stradivarius violins are shrouded in more myths than any other instruments in world history. At Mid Sweden University, researchers are using modern technology to uncover his secrets. At the international acoustics conference ICSV12, taking place in Lisbon on July 11-14, 2005, Associate Professor Mats Tinnsten will be presenting the latest research findings in the field.
"It's not possible to copy Stradivarius violins exactly, since wood is a living material with great natural variations. The results of new research indicate, however, that we will be able to overcome such difficulties with the aid of advanced computer support," says Mats Tinnsten.
The Italian Antonius Stradivarius, 1644-1737, introduced a geometry and design that became the exemplar for all violin-makers. Of the 1,100 instruments he built, some 650 still survive. The extremely high value of these instruments was demonstrated at an auction at Christie's in London in April. The 'Lady Tennant' Stradivarius violin sold for more than SEK 14 million, the auction record for a musical instrument.
"His craftsmanship is still unexcelled. Few after the death of Stradivarius have managed to produce anything that even approaches his best work," says Mats Tinnsten, who, together with Associate Professor Peter Carlsson, is researching whether it is possible to copy Stradivarius violins with the aid of modern technology and powerful computers.
What the Mid Sweden University scientists are trying to create is a violin with the same acoustic properties as a Stradivarius instrument. This work is progressing in stages, and it was decided that the first stage would involve calculations based on the top of the violin.
"With the help of advanced mathematical optimization method, we can determine how a top should be shaped to achieve the same properties as a top from a genuine Stradivarius," says Peter Carlsson.
The reason it is not possible to simply copy a top or an entire violin exactly is that it can never be assumed that the new top will have the same material properties as the old one.
During the 12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration, ICSV12 at the Lisbon University of Technology, Mats Tinnsten will show how far along he and Peter Carlsson have progressed in their pursuit of the perfect violin.
"Stradivarius violins were made of slow-growth spruce. Perhaps our research will help create a new instrument-making industry in northern Sweden," concludes Peter Carlsson.
Made by extraterrestrial violinsts. What else do I need to know?
Made of spruce that grew slowly during the depths of the "Little Ice Age".
BUMP!
Sweden has lots of spruces and mooses. I live in fear that like Germany once did, they will soon export violins to all of the peace-loving countries of Europe.
So what did old Stradivarius do? I imagine he shaped the tops and checked for resonance all the time until the top gave off the sound he wanted. He would have used a small leather mallot to tap the wood.
I had a case this weekend that was most interesting. I had to accompany one of Sweden's greatest violinists to a wedding. The violin is one of my favorites.
placing sand on the soundboard and running a bow along the edge of the soundboard will set up a vibration that will reaveal a specific pattern in the sand.
He may have also used this technique to achieve a particular resonance
There's entirely too much sax and violins on FR these days.
lol
There have been countless studies by people trying to discover just what makes Stradivarius violins great, and I doubt anyone will ever be able to put a finger on it with any certainty. There are just too many factors that go into an instrument, and even two violins made of wood from the same tree (well...usually it'd be spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides) won't necessarily sound at all alike.
My little sister is learning to build and repair violins. She loves it! She's only built one so far, but it turned out really well, though not cosmetically perfect. My Dad is still trying to talk her into selling. He plays, and really loves the sound of her firstborn. ;-)
It's probably a good thing they can't figure it all out.
It's fascinating all the same! There have been so many studies...most of which prove to be only partially true.
There was a guy a few years back who was convinced it was the finish, but as I recall, other luthiers thought of him as a quack. Wish I could remember the details.
I know, I know...Google is my friend.
I wonder how Stradivarius got started. Who would have fed him while he was figuring out his technique; the time involved must have been extensive and he wouldn't have had time to hold down a regular job or even maintain a garden.
Stradivarius was a deadbeat I guess.
I guess he was, unless he began to make and sell his product while still under his parent's roof. Or, he might have been sent to apprenticeship if someone noticed he had both hands and ears.
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