Posted on 02/14/2008 4:30:36 PM PST by RDTF
LONDON (AP) -- Can his fractured fiddle - a million dollar Guadagnini - be fixed? It's too early to tell.
David Garrett, a former model who has been called the David Beckham of the classical scene, said he tripped while carrying his 18th century violin as he was leaving London's Barbican Hall after a performance, smashing it to bits.
"I had it over my shoulder in its case and I fell down a concrete flight of stairs backward," Garrett said Thursday. "When I opened the case, much of my G.B. Guadagnini had been crushed."
Garrett said he bought the 1772 violin for $1 million in 2003, and he is now hoping to get it repaired in New York, where he is based.
"I hope and pray that it can be fixed, but if it can't, I hope my insurance policy will let me buy another great violin," the 26-year-old musician said. He told The Associated Press that other published accounts saying the violin was a Stradivarius were incorrect. Guadagnini is believed by some to have been a student of Antonio Stradivari.
The accident occurred Dec. 27 but only came to light this week when he returned to London for another concert at the Barbican and told British reporters what had happened.
For his Valentine's Day concert there, he is playing a Stradivarius that's been loaned to him.
-snip-
(Excerpt) Read more at dispatch.com ...
dunno but if he fell on it down the stairs I’m glad it saved him...
If it is a publicity stunt it sure worked here - he’s been around for many years, was a child prodigy, and I had not heard of him until I saw this aritcle.
ok I couldn’t wait so I just bought this one
LOL! That's the funniest comment I've read on this thread, yet.
Wow. Aren’t there only about 25 Strads in the world? I think I might rather give up a kidney...
You're really fixated on fiddling around, aren't you?
I’m not sure what that has to do with David Garrett’s story, but it’s day-um funneee.....
ping for a later read
Cecily,
Charlie could probably give that English feller some fiddle lessons too...but for pure country sound, you can’t beat Jody Nix on a fiddle...
I love fiddling around. :)
Humidity is low to nonexistent year round, but the wood stands that fairly well, as well as the low temperatures when transporting instruments. Per ancient advice we shouldn’t tempt fate, so we let the instrument warm or cool slowly if possible to avoid temperature shock. A couple seams open up now and then but if you catch them early the repair is easy; if you let them go too long the wood will warp considerably and then there will be a problem.
I have now succeeded in turning on all my female co-workers and friends to David Garrett. He owes me some kind of re-payment...
:^)
He owes you a commission!
Or at least a foot massage. :)
I think he should come to your house for a private concert. XD
I suggest he learn how to walk and use the stairs
“Fiddler Off the Roof”
Well said :)
Is this a standing offer for a jam session?
I have no faded tatoos on my body.
Yet, do I get any of these "come on over and fiddle sometime" invitations? Nooooooo........
Life is so unfair!
Post a pic and we’ll see.....
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