Stradivari’s violins are known for their exquisite craftsmanship. Violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason holds the rare ‘Hellier’ violin, created by Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari in 1679, which will be offered in the Exceptional Sale at Christie’s auction house in London, Britain, May 30, 2022. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt.“I want to express my gratitude to Florian and everyone who has contributed to this dream come true story.” said Leonidas Kavakos. “This is a sound that combines the best of Stradivari and Guarneri and I feel privileged to be able to make music and discover new paths of sound with this great instrument.”

It is so fast and responsive, one almost has to hold back! And yet, all the colours and elegance are there, waiting to be explored!” “While the Abergavenny has a very smooth big round tone, I was struck by the Willemotte’s electricity and intensity that crowns the underlying darkness. But due to the difference of sound colour and production, I needed time to adjust.” This time, coming from the Abergavenny Stradivari of 1724, which, by the way, I also got from Florian and have played on for the last 8 years, my impression was similar to the one 23 years ago. “Hours go by and they feel like seconds! In one of these visits, Florian brought the Willemotte and asked me whether I knew it! I told him the story of course, and immediately started playing on it. What more can someone who loves violins wish for?” There is always an amazing quantity and quality of instruments available there and therefore, talking about violins and their great mystery, is combined with the physical presence of instruments of almost any maker one might think of. “Florian is one of the most impressive ateliers in the world. “When I am in London, I always pay a visit to Florian Leonhard, with whom I have developed a wonderful friendship over quite a few years,” said Leonidas. More than two decades later and Leonidas’ dream has become a reality thanks to a visit to Florian Leonhard Fine Violins in Hampstead, North London. ‘I really hope I can have a violin like this one day,’ I thought, and gave it back to the owner.” All the sweetness of Stradivari sound was there of course, but what amazed me was the combination of that with an impressive volume and even more, the colour of depth and darkness, which one doesn’t always associate with Stradivari sound. That was it! I will never forget that impression I had. “I asked whether I could play a few notes on it. “My very first acquaintance with the Willemotte took place back in 1994 in NYC,” said Leonidas, “during the wonderful exhibit of Guarneri del Gesù violins at the Metropolitan museum… I held it in awe. Last month (May), Leonidas completed his final concerts as the New York Philharmonic Orchestra’s Artist-in-Residence at David Geffen Hall where he played the Willemotte, in the city where his love affair with the instrument first began 23 years ago. The Willemotte is named after 19th century collector Charles Willemotte of Antwerp, who owned 20 instruments made by Stradivari during his lifetime. It replaces the ‘Abergavenny’ Stradivari of 1724 which he has played for the past eight years. Leonidas Kavakos’ new violin will be the 1734 ‘Willemotte’ Antonio Stradivari violin. Leonidas Kavakos to play the 1734 ‘Willemotte’ Stradivarius J3:09 pm

Florian leonhard nyc