A rare Stradivarius violin, crafted in 1714 by the legendary Antonio Stradivari, sold for $11.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on Friday.
“This exceptional violin embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and the history of classical music,” said Marie Claudia Jimenez, president of Sotheby’s Americas, in a statement. “Its unique sound and history have captivated collectors and musicians alike.”
Known as the “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius,” the violin is celebrated for its rich, deep sound and illustrious history. It achieved the third-highest price ever paid for a musical instrument at auction, trailing the record-breaking “Lady Blunt” violin, which sold for $15.9 million in 2011.
Sotheby’s described the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius as “remarkable” due to its unparalleled tonal quality, adding that its legacy further enhances its appeal among collectors and musicians.
A Legacy of Excellence
The instrument’s name pays homage to two of its most notable owners. The first was Joseph Joachim, a renowned 19th-century violinist who collaborated with legendary composers like Johannes Brahms. In recent years, the violin belonged to violinist Se-Hun Ma, who donated it to the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston, where he had studied.
Se-Hun Ma stipulated that the violin be sold to fund scholarships, ensuring the instrument’s legacy would continue to benefit aspiring musicians.
The sale of the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius reaffirms the enduring fascination with Stradivari’s craftsmanship, which has defined excellence in the world of classical music for centuries.
