The Legacy and Value of Master Violins – Instrument Lecture and Music Demonstration

For collectors, Italian master violins such as Amati, Stradivarius, and Guarneri are not only instruments that have been passed down in music history for over three hundred years but are also precious chronicles that witness the long river of human history. 

Looking back at history, renowned violinists such as Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931), Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987), and David Oistrakh (1908-1974) were all captivated by these master violins, regarding them as soulmates of their lives. 

What is the allure of master violins? What makes musicians, connoisseurs, and collectors disregard the passage of time and focus only on the experience of having owned one? Why has a single violin attracted the attention of scientists across various fields, all seeking to uncover the mysterious crafting formula akin to that of the pyramids? 

This lecture invites senior consultants from the Chimei Museum—Chung Tai-Ting and Tu Jian-Hong—to help us understand the structure, materials, and unique features of master violins from a scientific perspective, as well as to share the century-old stories that these instruments carry from a historical viewpoint. Additionally, we are honored to have Du Qin-Lun, a violinist who studied in France and a professor at the National Tsing Hua University Music Department, demonstrating the unique sounds and personalities of master violins through live performance. 

Join us on this unique artistic journey of a hundred years to explore the legacy and value of master violins. 

Time: October 14, 2023 (Saturday) 14:30-16:30 

Location: National Tsing Hua University, Room 224, 2nd Floor, Integrated Building 4 

Speakers: Chimei Museum – Chung Tai-Ting and Tu Jian-Hong 

Violinist: National Tsing Hua University Music Department – Du Qin-Lun 

Organizer: National Tsing Hua University Junshan Music Hall Preparation Office