Watch Stradivarius: Mysteries Of The Supreme Violin

Stradivarius: Mysteries of the Supreme Violin is a documentary that revolves around the mysterious and highly coveted musical instruments created by the legendary Antonio Stradivari. The film explores not just the history and craft of making a Stradivarius violin, but also delves into the mystique that accompanies these highly prized instruments.

The documentary is an ode to the music and musicians who have embraced the Stradivarius violin and its timeless beauty. Through interviews with some of the world's most celebrated violinists, including Itzhak Perlman and Philippe Quint, Stradivarius: Mysteries of the Supreme Violin highlights the impact that these violins have had on music over the centuries.

The film takes the viewer on a journey through the history and lore of the Stradivarius violin. The violin maker Antonio Stradivari lived in Cremona, Italy, during the 17th and 18th centuries, and his instruments have been passed down for generations, inspiring awe and mystery. The quality of sound that emanates from a Stradivarius violin is generally believed to be unparalleled, and the film examines the reasons for this, from the unique shaping of the instrument to the varnish Stradivari used to finish it.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the use of modern technology to analyze the sound waves of the Stradivarius violin. While scientists are still trying to unlock the secrets of the instruments, researchers have found that the wood used by Stradivari was different from what is used today. The film goes on to explore how this unique wood may have contributed to the quality of sound produced by the violins.

The documentary also brings attention to the fact that there are only around 600 Stradivarius violins in existence, and many of them are priced in the millions of dollars range. With such a limited supply, it's no wonder that musicians covet these instruments so much. The movie touches upon the swashbuckling world of antique dealers, where Stradivarius violins are bought and sold in shadowy circumstances. With the growing demand and limited supply of Stradivari's violins, this aspect of the industry has become increasingly cut-throat.

In conclusion, Stradivarius: Mysteries of the Supreme Violin is an enthralling documentary that covers everything from the emotional impact of these instruments to how they are made, and the fascinating stories behind some of the most cherished of these violins. It's a reminder that, while we live in an age of rapidly evolving technology, there are still things from the past, such as these violins, that we can only hope to understand and appreciate.

Stradivarius: Mysteries Of The Supreme Violin is a 2015 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 49 minutes.