Scan 205
The violin, its famous makers and their imitators, 1887
15 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1the British fleet, occupied Barcelona in 1706. We have, therefore, the interesting facts that Stradivari made a complete set of instruments, which he intended to present to Philip V., and that he was afterwards commissioned to make another set for Philip's opponent, the Archduke.
3Lorenzo Giustiniani, a Venetian nobleman, wrote to Stradivari the following letter, which he received July 7th, 1716:—
5Venice, Giustiniani Palace,
6 "Campiello dei Squellini.
8"It is generally known that there is not at the present time in the world a more skilled maker of musical instruments than yourself; and as I wish to preserve a record of such an illustrious man and famous artist, I trouble you with this letter, to ask whether you feel disposed to make me a violin, of the highest quality and finish that you can bestow upon it."
10The following extract from Arisi's manuscript brings us to the end of the interesting information therein contained in reference to the subject of this notice, and amply justifies the closing words of the author, who says: "From what I have written it may be seen how great is the excellence of Stradivari's art."
12"In 1715, on the 10th of June, Giovanni Battista Volème, director of the private orchestra of the King of Poland, arrived in Cremona, by special order of the King, to await the completion of twelve Violins, which had been ordered of Stradivari, and he remained here three months; and when all the instruments were ready, he took them with him to Poland."
14Arisi doubtless refers to the Belgian musician Jean
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