A good instrument is crucial for a musician. The instrument and the musician complement each other, jointly interpreting captivating stories.
1. Mischa Maisky with the Montagnana violin:
In the early 1970s, during a tour in the United States, Mischa Maisky encountered a young man backstage who invited him to perform for his wheelchair-bound uncle at their home. Maisky accepted the invitation graciously, a gesture uncommon among many performers.
After playing for the elderly man, he was deeply moved and generously gifted Maisky a Montagnana violin from 1720. Maisky was surprised beyond words, never imagining he would acquire such a valuable instrument so easily. Since then, Maisky has been playing this gifted Montagnana violin to this day.
2. The Forgotten Master Johanna Martzy with the Bergonzi violin:
Johanna Martzy, born in 1924, studied at the Budapest Music Academy under Hubay from 1932 to 1942, alongside Zsigeti. In 1947, she won first place at the Geneva International Violin Competition, leading to widespread acclaim and tours across Europe.
The peak of her career was in the 1950s, after which she withdrew from the stage to focus on teaching, passing away in 1979 at the age of 55. Despite her early departure from the stage and subsequent obscurity, recordings attest to her status as an unparalleled master.
Martzy's playing style was characterized by emotional depth and refined technique. She owned a Bergonzi violin from 1733, among other notable instruments, and preferred it over a Stradivari due to its durability.
3. Gidon Kremer with his renowned violins:
Between 1979 and 1988, Gidon Kremer used the "Baron Feititsch," a Stradivarius violin from 1734 previously owned by Heermann. Later, he acquired a Guarneri "David" in 1730.
In a remarkable incident, Kremer left this $3 million Guarneri del Gesu violin on a train during a tour in Baltimore but fortunately managed to retrieve it. This Guarneri del Gesu violin, like his previous Stradivarius, holds historical significance and is highly esteemed by violinists and instrument makers alike.
Kremer's current instrument, the Guarneri del Gesu "David," is regarded as one of the finest examples from this esteemed maker's golden period in the 1730s. He used this instrument for recording Bach's solo works.
These stories beautifully illustrate the profound bond between musicians and their instruments. From Maisky's unexpected gift to Martzy's steadfast preference and Kremer's fortunate retrieval, each tale encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between artist and tool. Through their devotion and mastery, these musicians not only create captivating melodies but also weave narratives that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
As they continue to enchant listeners, their instruments remain faithful companions, conduits through which timeless stories of passion and artistry are shared, transcending generations and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
