NOVA Season 9 Episode 3 The Great Violin Mystery

In season 9, episode 3 of NOVA titled "The Great Violin Mystery," the show delves into the intriguing world of Stradivarius violins – one of the most coveted and valuable investments in the world of classical music. The episode focuses on the quest of two scientists to try and discover the secrets behind the unmatched sound quality that Stradivarius violins are famous for. The show merges the worlds of art and science, as the researchers go in search of the perfect formula to make a Stradivarius violin.

The episode begins by examining the history of the Stradivarius, and the mystery surrounding these instruments. With the oldest Stradivarius dating back to the 17th century, their longevity and age only add to their allure. A single instrument can sell for millions of dollars, making them one of the most valuable investments in the world of classical music.

The show then introduces the two scientists at the heart of the episode, Carleen Hutchins and Joseph Nagyvary. While working independently, both scientists had come up with unique theories on how to make a Stradivarius using modern techniques. Hutchins focused on the acoustics of the instrument, while Nagyvary researched the wood's chemical structure and how that would affect the sound.

The episode then takes the viewer on an intriguing journey of discovery as the researchers attempt to solve the Stradivarius mystery. The show highlights the importance of recognizing that the two scientists did not work in isolation but, rather, in a community of musicologists and violin makers.

The journey starts with Carleen Hutchins' work on the acoustics of the violin. She believed that variances in the shape of an instrument contributed to the sound quality. Through years of experimentation with the violins, Hutchins created what she believed was the perfect shape, with each acoustic measurement adjusted accordingly. She called the new shape a 'Chladni' prototype, and it was designed to provide greater balance and tonality to individual notes. This invention was a significant contribution to the world of violin-making and has been used by violinists ever since.

Joe Nagyvary approached the problem differently, believing that the chemical structure of the wood was the key to unlocking the Stradivarius secret. Nagyvary discovered through x-ray fluorescence and infrared examinations that the Stradivarius wood was permeated with many impurities, mold, and chemicals, which produced the unique sound. By then replicating this impure wood, Nagyvary was able to create violins that matched the sound and quality of a Stradivarius.

The episode also includes interviews with contemporary violinsts such as Isaac Stern, Zubin Mehta, and Itzhak Perlman, who discuss their love for and interest in the Stradivarius. Their insightful comments help shed light on the unique features of these violins that make them so unique and desirable.

As the episode progresses, the viewer is shown how rival instrument makers have used Hutchins' and Nagyvary's research to make their versions of the Stradivarius. The show also highlights how the reproduction of Stradivarius violins differs from violinist to violinist and from maker to maker.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the ongoing research and experimentation to replicate the unmatched sound quality of the Stradivarius. The viewer is left with a sense of wonder and amazement at the beauty and complexity of this incredible instrument, and the dedication and perseverance of the researchers trying to recreate it.

In conclusion, the NOVA season 9, episode 3, "The Great Violin Mystery," is an engrossing and captivating episode that offers an insight into the world of Stradivarius violins. By combining the worlds of art and science, the show provides an in-depth analysis of the history and fascination surrounding these enigmatic instruments. The episode's scientific approach will keep the viewers engaged and informed, while the interviews with contemporary art connoisseurs will keep them entertained. The show is a must-watch for classical music enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone interested in the fascinating intersection between science and art.