A rare and valuable violin with a rich history is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in February, potentially breaking records as the most expensive musical instrument ever sold. Known as the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, this instrument was crafted by the renowned Italian violin maker Antonio Stradivari in 1714 during his “golden period” of craftsmanship. Sotheby’s has estimated that the violin could fetch between $12 and $18 million at the auction.
The current record for the most expensive musical instrument sold at auction is held by another Stradivari violin, the 1721 Lady Blunt Stradivarius, which sold for $15.9 million in 2011. However, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius has the potential to surpass this record when it goes under the hammer during Sotheby’s Masters Week, a prestigious event featuring valuable artworks.
The violin has a fascinating history, once owned by the renowned Hungarian musician Joseph Joachim. It is believed that Joachim performed with the instrument during the 1879 premiere of Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, conducted by Brahms himself. The violin also bears the name of Si-Hon Ma, a celebrated Chinese violinist and inventor of the Sihon mute, a device that dampens the sound of the violin. Ma purchased the Stradivarius violin with the profits from his invention and played it until his passing in 2009.
After being housed at the Violin Museum in Cremona, Italy, the instrument was eventually donated to the New England Conservatory, Ma’s alma mater, with the stipulation that it would be sold to support student scholarships. Over the years, only a select few senior students at the conservatory have had the opportunity to play this exceptional violin, providing them with an extraordinary musical experience.
Described by Sotheby’s as having an “exceptional sound—rich, complex and full of depth,” the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is prized for its unique tone and character. The proceeds from the sale of the violin will establish some of the largest named scholarships in the history of the New England Conservatory, benefiting future generations of students.
While the buyer of this one-of-a-kind artifact may come from various backgrounds, Sotheby’s hopes that the new owner will appreciate and perhaps even play the violin. The auction house anticipates a high level of interest in the instrument, as evidenced by the sale of a different 1714 Stradivarius for $15.34 million at a recent auction.
Enthusiasts and members of the public will have the opportunity to view the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius before it goes up for auction at Sotheby’s New York in February. The violin will be on display in London and Hong Kong, with additional exhibition locations to be announced.
In conclusion, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius represents a rare and exceptional piece of musical history that is poised to make waves in the auction world. Its sale will not only set records but also support the education of future musicians through scholarships at the New England Conservatory.
