“What is the most important part of a violin?” he asks. “The body,” I answer, straightening my back. “The strings.” “No, dear.” He sounds like a teacher frustrated with a student. “The case. It protects the violin. The damage begins once the violin is exposed, losing its ability to perform. The more you play the violin, the more valuable the instrument becomes. But as it sits out in the open, exposed to the elements, nothing can protect it. Even an exposed Stradivarius can become nothing more than a useless piece of wood if it’s not protected with care.” I sit quietly, pondering his words. My
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