Scan 309
Antonio Stradivari, his life and work (1644-1737), 1909
8 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 281. See the scan on archive.org.
1astic admirer of Stradivari, and at about the same period he brought from the Continent at different times several fine Stradivaris—notably that dated 1709, which he presented to Ernst, and which is now in the possession of Lady Gallé; that of Habeneck, dated 1736; the "Gillott," dated 1715; that of the year 1734 which belonged to the late Lord Amherst of Hackney, and the "Hausmann" violoncello of the year 1725. Of recent years, i.e. from 1865 to 1885, we have been more particularly indebted to the late Mr. David Laurie, of Glasgow, for the introduction to our shores of some of the finest existing examples of Stradivari's genius. Though in no way connected by tradition with our calling, Mr. Laurie developed a taste for high-class instruments, which, added to a keen business capacity and rare energy, he soon turned to good account. Profiting by commercial connections which necessitated frequent visits abroad, he brought out and came to be on intimate terms with various foreign luthiers, notably with J. B. Vuillaume, Gand & Bernardel frères, of Paris, and N. F. Vuillaume, of Brussels; and in the course of time he also became acquainted with many of the owners of Stradivari instruments residing on the Continent.
3Mr. C. G. Meier, an amateur, and ardent admirer of Stradivari, also brought over several noted examples: amongst others the "Betts" (which Vuillaume had purchased in London and afterwards sold to Wilmotte), the "Ames," the "Dolphin," and the "De Barrau," one of the violins of the late Dr. Joachim.
5The following records of prices paid for Stradivari instruments will be read, we are sure, with considerable interest.
7Our earliest information—excepting that obtained from the extracts already given from Count Cozio di Salabue's correspondence—commences at the year 1792.
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