Why do violinists put a cloth between their chin and their instrument?
Violins don't have spit valves.
Posted on 06/05/2006 8:21:35 AM PDT by Republicanprofessor
There's no business like show business, especially when you're thinking of buying a $3.5 million (U.S.) violin.
When American violinist Robert McDuffie, now in his mid-40s, broke through into the top rank of international stars a decade ago, he decided he should upgrade to the best instrument he could get his hands on......
McDuffie is nothing if not brave. So he found a violin he liked, a $3.5 million Guarneri del Gesu from 1735.....
So he incorporated, setting up 1737 del Gesu Partners, L.P., and convinced 16 friends and acquaintances (including himself) to invest in the instrument.
The return on equity? Two private concerts a year, a share in any profits when McDuffie sells the violin in 2024 — and the pleasure of seeing and hearing a master play a masterpiece.....
(Excerpt) Read more at thestar.com ...
Classical music ping.
Let Sitetest know if you want on or off this classical music ping list.
What a great idea. Good for him.
Such a capitalist........:-)
Well, so far it's appreciating at $120,000/year or so. By 2024 it could be worth around $6.5 million.
Why do violinists put a cloth between their chin and their instrument?
Violins don't have spit valves.
How do you tell the difference between a violinist and a dog?
The dog knows when to stop scratching.
ping
Two reasons:
ONE: The skin of the face reacts badly to the varnish of the violin, causing bad irritation of the facial skin in many cases.
Try holding a varnished piece of wood against your face for MANY hours while you are exerting yourself as a string player does when he practices.
TWO: Touching the face directly on the violin affects the resonance of the violin.
I would also think that sweating on the violin over time would damage a valuable instrument.
"What is the difference between a violin and a piano?"
Well, Marc was stunned for an answer as he obviously thought of the various masterpieces written for each instrument and the various masters who had played them.
Lunch Bag answered his own question with this comment:
"A piano burns longer."
Marc avoided all of us for about a month after that exchange.
P.S. info. My primary is over, but because of legal and ethical problems, the incumbent may withdraw/be forced out. He is also losing in the latest poll (5/28) to the Democrat challenger. I seek to be the replacement nominee. For more information see my website. I still need your help.
Congressman Billybob
Latest article: "Stomping on the Constitution, California-Style"
Odd that the Toronto Star is highlighting this transaction now, since it was done in February 2001.
True too.
And the warmth of the face against the varnished wood creates a reaction in the skin that can be serious---
and unfortunately can't be cured by a respite from the cause of the irritation
since the professional violinist needs to keep playing and practicing for many hours every day.
I bet he kept his eye on his instrument after that exchange.
Who said musicians can't also be entrepreneurs? I gotta love this guy.
What's the range of a violin?
About 30-40 yards, if you've got a good arm.
What's the definition of perfect pitch?
Throwing a violin in a dumpster from 20 yards without hitting the rim.
Did you hear about the terrorists who hijacked a bus full of violinists?
They threatened to start releasing them if their demands were not met.
Hey where's Larry Fine's violin? C'mon Porcupine, give us a few bars of Weasel.
Sorry, I didn't notice that this was old news.
I think the Star was highlighting this because the violinist was coming to Toronto play.
This was in the article but not in my excerpt because I live a ways from Toronto.
I have to learn how to make one or two of them fiddles.
A viola burns longer.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.