The classical music world often grapples with the modern musical landscape. While genres and performance styles vary widely, the main contrast lies between traditional and contemporary instruments. This tension is particularly evident with violins. Yet, the allure of antique instruments and the mastery of luthiers continue to captivate audiences, holding their own against the latest high-tech violins in terms of sound quality.
This is evident in the choices made by some of today’s most renowned violinists, as we’ll explore below.
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What Violin Does David Garrett Play? The Rock Notes of Classical Music
When we think of modern violinists, David Garrett immediately comes to mind as a crossover icon. Known for seamlessly blending classical tradition with rock influences, Garrett has built a reputation as a musician of exceptional skill.
His repertoire of rock music, adapted for orchestra, has been particularly well-received by critics. Garrett often replaces guitar or vocals with his violin in his rock covers. Similarly, he reinvents classical pieces with a rock twist, performing alongside guitars and drums.
Garrett mainly relies on a Stradivarius and a Vuillaume, but he also owns a Guarneri del Gesù and a Santo Serafino. His Stradivarius, the “San Lorenzo” from 1718, gained fame following a dramatic incident in 2008. After a recital, Garrett tripped and fell on the nearly 300-year-old violin, crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari. The priceless instrument underwent an eight-month restoration.
What Violin Does Hilary Hahn Play? A Strong Connection to Tradition
Hilary Hahn, a multiple Grammy-winning American violinist, is universally celebrated as a virtuoso. Her career-long companion is a 1864 Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume violin, modeled after Paganini’s favorite, the “Cannone.”
This instrument is a faithful reproduction of the 1743 Guarneri del Gesù violin, renowned for its powerful sound. Paganini referred to it as “my cannon violin.” The original Cannone remains in Genoa, entrusted to the city by Paganini. It is played only by winners of the Paganini International Violin Competition.
Giuseppe Gibboni’s Violin: An Unexpected Masterpiece
Giuseppe Gibboni, the 56th International Violin Competition winner, typically plays a Carlo Giuseppe Testore violin. Testore’s works are often considered rough, but Gibboni’s violin is a unique masterpiece, taking 30 years to craft.
This violin features a pine top with coarse, visible grain and a light yellow-brown varnish. It was mistakenly attributed to Giovanni Grancino but later restored to Testore’s name during a restoration in 1884.
What Violin Does André Rieu Play? Balancing Classical and Pop
André Rieu, a world-renowned violinist, conductor, and composer, is closely tied to the Johann Strauss Orchestra, which he founded in 1987. Known as the “King of Waltz,” Rieu bridges classical, romantic, and jazz styles.
Rieu’s instrument of choice is a 1667 Stradivarius, likely the oldest known Stradivarius. He cherishes his violin and orchestra, even stating he would sell the violin to secure his orchestra’s future.
What Violin Does Uto Ughi Play? Two Sides of a Maestro
Uto Ughi primarily plays two violins: a 1744 Guarneri del Gesù and a 1701 Stradivarius, known as the Kreutzer. These instruments highlight Ughi’s warm and dark tones, solidifying his status as one of today’s most talented violinists.
Ughi’s extraordinary career began at age 7 and includes performances at major international events. He remains a testament to the Italian violin tradition.