“’Tis God gives skill, but not without men’s hands: He could not make Antonio Stradivari’s violins without Antonio.̶...
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reviews
Dec 26, 2010
Stephanie
rated it: 
There is something about the violin that captivates so utterly: its astonishing voice, which can project across the most vast of concert halls; its ability to mimic an almost unfathomable array of sounds; the fact that that the tones that it offers are not discrete like those of a piano, but rather exist on a spectrum, allowing the skilled player to spin together an exquisite, complex texture of sound; the romantic design of the instrument itself, the way it nestles against the shoulder, demandi
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Jun 05, 2009
Missy
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Having recently acquired my Great Grandpa's violin, I found this book very interesting. We took Gramps' violin to a little violin shop in St. Louis where Mr. Bearden told us who made it, when, and where. Amazing. But before he definitively told us the maker, he first said, "It's either an Amati or a Stainer." Knowing nothing about violins, I shrugged and said, "Is that good?" After reading this book, I have to seriously question if he was just toying with me or if he real
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May 07, 2010
Bruce
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Probably worth a quick read for those very interested in classical music; others will likely want to skip. A brief initial section describes Stradivari's background and method of crafting instruments. This piece was moderately interesting. The remainder traces the histories of 5 or 6 (who's counting?) instruments. As these pass through the hands of various performers (e.g. Paganini), the book provides a bit of background regarding same. These meanders ranges from moderately interesting to a
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Dec 23, 2008
Jeff
rated it: 
This was the writers' first book, and to a violin professional, it shows.
It doesn't have a plot or a purpose, and it doesn't make sense.
And most of the information given out is available better elsewhere.
I thought it was strange that for most of these "fabulous" violins, it came out that the owner didn't like it, didn't play it, and wanted to sell it. Must be a pretty fantastic violin at that rate.
And what's with the final chapter? Again, doesn't make sense a More...
It doesn't have a plot or a purpose, and it doesn't make sense.
And most of the information given out is available better elsewhere.
I thought it was strange that for most of these "fabulous" violins, it came out that the owner didn't like it, didn't play it, and wanted to sell it. Must be a pretty fantastic violin at that rate.
And what's with the final chapter? Again, doesn't make sense a More...
May 04, 2008
Beccy
rated it: 
To those who love strings music or play a string instrument, this book will be fascinating! Well-researched, anecdotal, historically rich. The author explores most of the recent theories about Stradivari's mysterious and legendary superiority as a luthier and details the creation, ownership and colorful characters associated with Stradivari's most famous instruments. Did you know that Yo-Yo Ma now owns the beloved Davidov cello?
After reading the book, I found out why the Messiah vio More...
After reading the book, I found out why the Messiah vio More...
Sep 24, 2011
David
rated it:
I picked this book up on a whim. I am glad I did. For his first novel, the author does well to engage the reader in an historical journey that not only informs, but entertains. I learned so much about the chronology of the violin, and the fascinating characters in the history of music. This is a book for anyone who loves music, especially the violin.
Jan 06, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. Interesting history about the violin family instruments and their creation, as well as following Stradivari. Also has details about the Strad known as the Messiah.
Dec 28, 2009
Matt
rated it:
Purported to be both a ribald tale of the life history of some Strad instruments, as well as a semi-scientific investigation of what makes a Strad a Strad. Came up short on both counts. Next time, we want gas cromatograph results from the lacquer, and a story where one guy stabs another guy with one of the violins.
May 26, 2008
Mattie
rated it:
I picked up this book after seeing in on a friend's Goodreads list. It sounded really interesting and I was right.
Tony Faber examines the artistry of Antonio Stradivari as told by the stories of his own instruments, as they were made, as they traded hands and as they were played. Faber's narrative is quick moving and fun to read, as if he were inviting the reader along on the very journey he made in researching his subject rather than simply reporting back.
A good read (in More...
Tony Faber examines the artistry of Antonio Stradivari as told by the stories of his own instruments, as they were made, as they traded hands and as they were played. Faber's narrative is quick moving and fun to read, as if he were inviting the reader along on the very journey he made in researching his subject rather than simply reporting back.
A good read (in More...
Jun 07, 2009
Jerry
rated it:
I really enjoy Faber's story telling prose style. Knowing nothing about classical music in general or violin making in particular this work about Stradivari and his instruments was most enlightening and seemed to be aimed at people like me. For the more knowledgeable it would probably be pitched too simplistically.
Tells the story through 6 instruments and their history. THis is the bulk of the narrative, the life of the master himself given enough coverage but not the most important More...
Tells the story through 6 instruments and their history. THis is the bulk of the narrative, the life of the master himself given enough coverage but not the most important More...
Nov 02, 2008
Sue
rated it: 
This book was fascinating. You have to be interested in strings and history to appreciate it, but I found it totally absorbing. It was great to learn about string instrument construction and all the details of shape and varnish. The book follows the history of these six instruments and their owners and that was interesting walk through history. The cello is on loan to Yo-Yo Ma and we have several recordings of him, some on that instrument, so that was fun.
Dec 26, 2008
Joje
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I liked the half I read, and learned a lot more than I knew already on stringed instruments. We even saw one of them later on played in a concert at Pleyel! But then I just felt like fiction again. I'll get back to it, and have recommended it to Claude along with other non fiction as another way to do these things, along with the Left Bank shop that Jessica also lent us.
Dec 17, 2009
Liz
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Faber follows the history of six of Stradivari's instruments, from the workshop through multiple owners over the past few centuries. He also discusses of the many attempts (and failures) of violin makers over the years to match Stradivari's...well, genius. Overall an engaging story and an interesting look at a world I knew almost nothing about.
May 05, 2008
Lori
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This is a wonderful book and very easy to read. It gives a great history of Stradivari and why his instruments were so revolutionary and why the are still the model on which modern instruments are based. Great read, even if you aren't interested in music.
May 15, 2008
Stacy
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I found this book to be very readable and informative. Although it must be admitted, I have personal interest in the topic so that may sway my opinion. However, I think anyone with even a passing interest in the topic will find the book enjoyable.
Nov 11, 2008
Kenley
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This book is more a history of certain violins made by Antonio Stradivari than a biography of the luthier himself.
I found this book to be a difficult read despite the interest that I have in the subject of violins.
I found this book to be a difficult read despite the interest that I have in the subject of violins.
Oct 06, 2009
David R.
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I was surprised how interested I became in the subject. Faber ably talks the reader through instrument manufacture, what made Stravarius such a genius, and how the music world responded to his creations.
Jul 21, 2009
Charlee
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Excellent weaving of the science and history of music and the violin.
I love the perspective of history as told through the instrument.
I love the perspective of history as told through the instrument.
Dec 16, 2009
Jen
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I have absolutely no musical aptitude, but this book was very approachable, and covers the lifespan of several of Stradivari's creations.
Apr 11, 2008
Anna
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Irritatingly hagiographic most of the time, but interesting. By the end it felt like a History Day project run amok.
Jun 30, 2011
Karen
rated it:
Bit of a snore but I do know more now about how to make a superb viola!
Feb 12, 2012
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