Violin

Is A Stradivarius Violin Easier To Hear? Science Says Nope

5:34pm May 08, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

Old Italian violins like those made by Stradivari are famous for their ability to project their sound. But a study found people in a blind test thought new violins projected better than old ones.

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Mira Wang plays Roman Totenberg's long lost Ames Stradivarius violin in New York, on March 8, 2017. Wang, a former student of Totenberg's, played the instrument at a private concert in New York on March 13.

A Stolen, Then Recovered, Stradivarius Returns To The Stage

1:03pm March 14, 2017

by Nina Totenberg

Mira Wang, protege of the late virtuoso violinist Roman Totenberg, this week debuted his Ames Stradivarius, stolen 37 years ago and reclaimed in 2015. "It's like meeting a new stranger," she says.

Just part of David Bromberg's collection of more than 250 American violins, crafted by nearly as many makers.

Music & Culture

These 250-Plus Violins Are About To Be Owned By The U.S. Government

8:01am August 08, 2016

by Jon Kalish

American-made violins are often regarded as inferior to European ones, but guitarist David Bromberg knows their value. So does the Library of Congress, which is acquiring his impressive collection.

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The Totenberg family (from left): Amy, Nina, Melanie, Roman and Jill

A Rarity Reclaimed: Stolen Stradivarius Recovered After 35 Years

5:51pm August 06, 2015

by Nina Totenberg

For decades, virtuoso violinist Roman Totenberg played his prized Stradivarius around the world. Then one day in 1980 it was snatched. Gone. But in June, the FBI called his daughter with news.

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Arts

Meet the Artist: Violinist Kevin Lawrence

8:42am July 09, 2013

by David Ford

Today's guest has been praised for his "assertive style and strong musical personality," and playing that is "supremely convincing in its vitality". Kevin Lawrence is the chair of the string department and professor of violin at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

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