No. 30 A VIOLIN BY ANTONIO STRADIVARI, CREMONA, 1728, “THUNIS” FM’s “Impromptu” program, which combines live performance with interviews. Fellow recipient Philippe Quint, of the “Ruby” Stradivari violin of 1708, was a guest on the show in January. Their performances were spectacular. Paul played music by Zarzycki, Sibelius, Sarasate, and Saint-Saëns and Philippe presented works by Gershwin, Saint-Saëns and Tchaikovsky/ Auer. Both spoke at length about the Stradivari Dear Friends, Society and its mission to listeners throughout the With winter finally behind us, our thoughts turn to metropolitan area and around the world on the the outdoors once again and the great summer music internet. For more about Philippe, see page 13. institutes and concert series that are just around the Welcome, Valentina! corner. At Bein & Fushi, we maintain the highest standard of excellence in the inventory we offer. Since Congratulations to Stradivari Society patrons the demand for the most outstanding instruments is still Angelique and Daniel! It is with the greatest pleasure growing at a rapid pace around the world, making the that we introduce you to their supply increasingly limited, only at Bein & Fushi will first child, Valentina, born on you find such a superb selection and range of the finest October 31, 2014. Angelique antique and modern violins, violas, cellos, and bows. and Daniel generously loan the magnificent “Wahl” Master Teachers Take Center Stage Pietro Guarneri II violin of We are proud to feature two remarkable teachers 1735 to Society recipient and dear friends, Sonja Foster and Drew Lecher, Sandy Cameron. We think in this edition of our magazine. Both have devoted Valentina is already a fashion their lives to furthering the art of playing the violin. trendsetter! Their students’ many accomplishments as performers and educators are a testament to their incredible We take great pride in our customer service. As our dedication and success. Our feature can be found on Sales Director Gabriel Ben-Dashan noted about page 10. our guiding principals in our last issue: we always Paul Huang Awarded Avery Fisher strive to produce only the most exceptional results. Career Grant Maintaining long-term relationships with our clients WeW are thrilled that Stradivari has always been and remains our priority. Our SoSociety recipient of the generous trade-in policy is one important aspect of “W“Wieniawski” Guarneri del the superior service we offer and has been extremely GeGesù violin, c. 1742, Paul helpful to many customers. As always, Gabriel Ben- HHuang has been awarded Dashan, Al Fushi, Joe Bein, and John Gerson—our ththe prestigious 2015 Avery expert sales staff—are ready to assist you in finding FiFisher Career Grant. Paul your ideal partner, whether an instrument or bow, at cucurrently attends Juilliard our shop in Chicago or wherever you are worldwide. wwhere he studies with HHyo Kang and I-Hao Lee. With affection and appreciation, Photo credit: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco DDistinguished conductor Alan Heatherington, who presents fascinating Jean Fushi introductions to the Woman’s Athletic Club annual series of concerts, called Paul’s December recital: “One of the most extraordinary recitals I have been Visit us... privileged to experience in my many decades of hearing great violinists, definitely in a class with those Bein & Fushi of David Oistrakh and previous Stradivari Society 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1014 recipients Gil Shaham and Ilya Kaler.” Bravo, Paul! Chicago, IL 60605 To find out more, visit www.paulhuangviolin.com. 312.663.0150 WFMT’s “Impromptu” [email protected] www.beinfushi.com While Paul Huang was in Chicago last December, he www.stradivarisociety.com was broadcast and streamed online live on WFMT- ©2015 Bein & Fushi, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 4/15 Featured Offerings An extraordinary violin by ANTONIO STRADIVARI Cremona, 1728 “Thunis” It is our great privilege to offer the “Thunis” Antonio Stradivari violin of 1728. Original in all its parts and documented in several of the most prominent publica- tions on Stradivari, the “Thunis” is one of the more tonally dynamic Stradivari violins our firm has encoun- tered. The violin dates from a fascinating and transi- tional moment for Cremona’s glorious violin-making history. By 1728, the octogenarian Stradivari had achieved great wealth and commercial success. Prior Cremonese dynasties including those of the Amati and Ruggeri families had come to a close and the careers of two of Stradivari’s most illustrious contemporaries, Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù and Carlo Bergonzi, were ascending. The Stradivari workshop was undoubtedly the most prolific of the decade within Cremona. While it is well known that the preceding decade of Stradivari’s work is often associated with some of the most beloved soloists’ instruments, there are several other periods that have produced tonally superior examples which have been highly sought after by the world’s great artists. The brief window of 1727 to 1728 from which the “Thunis” dates is one of those periods, with Stradivari producing violins that were to become the concert instruments of transcendent artists includ- ing Nicolò Paganini, Arthur Grumiaux, Zino Francescatti, and Leonidas Kavakos. The “Thunis” is a bold and handsome example that has elicited astonishing praise from some of today’s most demanding soloists. For the discerning collector, the “Thunis” offers the opportunity to own one of the great masterworks of Antonio Stradivari’s final decade. We welcome your serious inquiry. Photos: Matthew Tolzmann 1 FeaturedFeatured OfferingsOfferin A superb violin by PIETRO GUARNERI Mantua, 1709 The oldest son of the master luthier Andrea Guarneri, violins Violin making was not Guarneri’s only occupation. He was by Pietro Guarneri are rare and highly sought-after, with only also an accomplished violin and viol player and worked about fifty in existence. Also known as “Pietro of Mantua” professionally as a musician. He married Caterina Sussagni in to distinguish him from his nephew, Pietro Guarneri II or 1677 and they left Cremona around 1679, arriving in Mantua “Pietro of Venice,” Pietro was trained by his father beginning in 1683 where he established his shop and played in the around 1670 and quickly developed his own style, which Duke of Mantua’s court orchestra. The later Mantuan masters can be seen in the distinctive f-holes, larger scrolls, and fuller Camilli and Balestrieri were strongly influenced by his work. arching of his instruments. Pietro’s violins are celebrated for With so few extant violins by Pietro Guarneri and increasing their meticulous workmanship—which is thought to be the demand around the world for great antique instruments, finest of the legendary Guarneri family of makers, elegant an example of this caliber is exceedingly rare. This Guarneri appearance, use of only the most exceptional wood, tonal violin would be a jewel in any collection or ideal for the most richness and power, and outstanding varnish: all qualities discriminating musician. this particularly handsome example has in abundance. The distinguished virtuoso Joseph Szigeti played a Pietro of Mantua violin. 2 Photos: Matthew Tolzmann Current Offerings A rare violin by A violin by GASPARO DA SALÒ HIERONYMUS AMATI II Brescia, late 16th century Cremona, c. 1685 One of the earliest violin makers and a gifted double bass Eldest son of the great Nicolò Amati, and the last maker player, Gasparo Bertolotti was born in Salò to a family of the legendary Amati family, Girolamo (Hieronymus) of instrument makers and musicians. It is likely that he Amati II worked closely with his father from 1664 until was trained by his father and uncle, both accomplished his death in 1684. Hieronymus then became head of the craftsmen. After the death of his father in 1562, Gasparo family workshop. This excellent example from the maker’s moved to Brescia and opened his shop on the Contrada mature period is in an exceptional state of preservation. Antegnati, which was the center of the city’s vibrant musical Hieronymus’ finest instruments are tonally rich with an life. There he established a successful shop lasting over forty ease of response and projective power, qualities amply years and became Brescia’s leading maker. Very few violins evident in this outstanding violin. exist by this illustrious master. This remarkable da Salò has a beautifully lyrical, deep and penetrating sound with great response and power and would be an excellent match for a gifted artist or savvy collector. Photos: Matthew Tolzmann 3 Current Offerings A violin by A violin by JEAN-BAPTISTE VUILLAUME ALESSANDRO GAGLIANO Paris, 1826 Naples, c. 1710-20 Born into an old violin-making family in Mirecourt in 1798, Alessandro Gagliano was the patriarch of the esteemed Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume became one of the greatest family dynasty which lasted until the mid-19th century and violin makers, dealers, and innovators of the 19th century. the first known Neapolitan maker. While it is not certain Vuillaume was initially trained by his father. He moved to where or with whom he trained, nevertheless, he developed Paris in 1818 and apprenticed with François Chanot. In 1821, a distinctive style with great character and created his own he began an affiliation with Simon Lété which ended in 1827 models. He began his work in Naples around 1700 and soon when he opened his first shop at 46 Rue Croix des Petits- achieved renown as a leading maker. Gagliano produced Champs. He won the silver medal at the Paris Exhibition of violins with great playing qualities that still make them 1827, the first of many medals that he was awarded in his highly desirable as concert instruments today and an long and distinguished career. Instruments by Vuillaume are outstanding choice for aspiring or professional musicians. still admired and sought after by professional players. With a tone that is broad, strong, deep, and even, this exceptional violin from the maker’s early period is excellent for any type of playing.