The Red Violin

By Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 11, 2012

~~<p>In 1720, renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari built the “perfect violin,” so called because of its superb craftsmanship and sound quality. Shortly thereafter the instrument — dubbed the “Red Violin” because of its rich color — went missing, its whereabouts unknown for more than 200 years.</p>
<p>The violin surfaced in Berlin in the 1930s and was bought by an heir of composer Felix Mendelssohn. In 1945 a New York businessman acquired it and remained its proud owner until Thanksgiving Day 1990, when he put it on the auction block at Christie’s of London.</p>
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In 1720, renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari built the “perfect violin,” so called because of its superb craftsmanship and sound quality. Shortly thereafter the instrument — dubbed the “Red Violin” because of its rich color — went missing, its whereabouts unknown for more than 200 years.

The violin surfaced in Berlin in the 1930s and was bought by an heir of composer Felix Mendelssohn. In 1945 a New York businessman acquired it and remained its proud owner until Thanksgiving Day 1990, when he put it on the auction block at Christie’s of London. Login for more...