The world of music is full of fascinating stories and remarkable instruments that have captured the hearts of music lovers for centuries. Among these instruments, violins stand out as some of the world’s most iconic and coveted pieces. But not all violins are created equal, and some are worth a fortune.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of the 10 most expensive violins ever sold, exploring their unique histories, the people who have played them, and the jaw-dropping prices they fetched at auction. From the legendary Stradivarius to the exquisite Guarneri del Gesù, these violins have become cultural treasures coveted by collectors and musicians alike.
So, grab your bow, tune your strings, and look closer at the fascinating world of the 10 most expensive violins.
10. The Lord Wilton
Year Crafted: 1742
Crafted by: Guarneri del Gesú
Current Owner: David L. Fulton
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Lord Wilton is a violin of great value, made by the renowned Italian luthier Guarneri del Gesú in 1742. It is regarded as one of the most excellent instruments ever created and is highly desired by musicians and collectors.
The violin is named after its former owner, Lord Wilton, who owned the instrument for many years. It is a testament to the artistry and skill of Guarneri del Gesú, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest violin makers of all time.
The Lord Wilton was owned by American violin collector David L. Fulton, who purchased the instrument for a reported $6 million in 2013. It is likely that Mr. Fulton still owns the violin, as there has been no news of its sale or transfer since then.
Did You Know?
The Lord Wilton is known for its rich, powerful tone and has been played by some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, including Yehudi Menuhin and Itzhak Perlman.
9. The Ex-Szigeti
Year Crafted: 1724
Crafted by: Antonio Stradivari
Current Owner: Akiko Suwanei
photo source: Slipped Disc
The Ex-Szigeti is a valuable violin crafted by the legendary Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari in 1724. It is named after the Hungarian violinist Joseph Szigeti, who owned and played the instrument for many years. It is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, tonal range, and remarkable preservation over nearly three centuries.
The Ex-Szigeti was owned by Japanese collector Akiko Suwanai, who purchased the violin for $6 million in 2019. Before Suwanai’s ownership, the Ex-Szigeti had been owned by several other prominent musicians and collectors, including Yehudi Menuhin and Pinchas Zukerman.
Did You Know?
The Ex-Szigeti was made during what is considered Stradivari’s “golden period,” when he produced some of his finest instruments.
8. The Dolphin
Year Crafted: 1714
Crafted by: Antonio Stradivari
Current Owner: Nippon Music Foundation
photo source: Pinterest
The Dolphin violin, crafted by the renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari in 1714, is highly valuable. The violin was named after its former owner, Jascha Heifetz, who acquired it in 1925 and compared its sound to that of a dolphin.
The Dolphin was possessed by the Nippon Music Foundation, a Japanese non-profit organization that acquires and lends valuable instruments to musicians worldwide. The foundation purchased the violin for $6 million in 2011 to preserve and share it with the public.
The Dolphin is considered one of Stradivari’s best violins, with a unique flamed maple back and a reddish-brown varnish that is highly appreciated for its beauty. Several famous musicians, including Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, have played the violin.
Did You Know?
It is currently being lent out to Kevin Zhu, a young American violinist who won the first prize at the prestigious Paganini Competition in 2018.
7. La Pucelle
Year Crafted: 1709
Crafted by: Antonio Stradivari
Current Owner: David L. Fulton
photo source: Pinterest
La Pucelle is a violin crafted by the famous Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari in 1709. The violin is named after Joan of Arc, also known as “The Maid of Orleans,” who was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. The violin is known for its excellent tone quality and exceptional condition, making it one of Stradivari’s most well-preserved instruments.
The instrument’s sound has been praised for its clarity and sweetness, making it a popular choice among soloists and orchestral musicians. Despite its age, La Pucelle remains in excellent playing condition, a testament to Stradivari’s mastery of the craft.
Did You Know?
La Pucelle has a distinctive appearance, with a deep red varnish and a well-preserved wood grain pattern.
6. The Mary Portman
Year Crafted: 1735
Crafted by: Guarneri del Gesú
Current Owner: Francisco Fullana
photo source: Stradivari Society
The Mary Portman is considered one of Guarneri del Gesú’s finest instruments and a masterpiece of violin making. The instrument’s unique and complex design allows for exceptional resonance and projection, making it a favorite among soloists and performers.
In addition to its exceptional sound quality, The Mary Portman also has a fascinating history. It is thought to have been owned by several notable figures, including the Portman family, who reportedly owned the instrument in the 18th century.
The violin has also been associated with the great virtuoso Niccolò Paganini, who is said to have played the instrument during a concert in London in 1831.
Did You Know?
Today, The Mary Portman is considered a treasured and rare artifact of violin-making history, and its ownership is highly coveted among collectors and musicians
5. The Kochanski
Year Crafted: 1741
Crafted by: Guarneri del Gesú
Current Owner: Unspecified
photo source: Andrew Carruthers
The Kochanski, a violin crafted by Guarneri del Gesù in 1741, is one of several violins crafted by the renowned Italian luthier, considered among the finest instruments ever made. Guarneri del Gesù is considered one of the greatest violin makers of all time, along with Antonio Stradivari and his own father, Bartolomeo Guarneri. The Kochanski is named after the Polish violinist Paul Kochanski, who owned and played the instrument for many years.
It is known for its rich, warm tone and has been valued at around $10 million. Today, it is primarily used in recordings and concerts by professional soloists and orchestral musicians. The violin is one of many high-value instruments like The Kochanski owned by private collectors or institutions such as museums, and their ownership can be kept confidential.
Did You Know?
The Kochanski has been played by many famous violinists over the years, including Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, and Pinchas Zukerman.
4. The Carrodus
Year Crafted: 1743
Crafted by: Guarneri del Gesú
Current Owner: A wealthy patron
photo source: The Strad
The Carrodus is a violin made by Guarneri del Gesù in 1743, another masterpiece by the renowned Italian luthier. It is named after English violinist John Tiplady Carrodus, who played the instrument for most of his career. The violin is known for its beautiful, sweet tone and has been valued at around $10 million.
The Carrodus was crafted during Guarneri del Gesù’s “golden period,” when he produced some of his finest instruments. Guarneri del Gesù’s instruments are renowned for their unique, powerful tone and are highly prized by collectors and musicians alike. The current owner of The Carrodus is a wealthy patron who has chosen to keep their identity private.
Did You Know?
Along with The Kochanski, The Carrodus is considered one of the finest violins ever.
3. The Lady Blunt
Year Crafted: 1721
Crafted by: Antonio Stradivari
Current Owner: Nippon Music Foundation
photo source: Stradivarius.org
Antonio Stradivari created The Lady Blunt violin during his renowned “golden period” of crafting instruments in 1721. It is named after Lady Anne Blunt, a prominent British equestrian, author, and animal rights activist who owned the violin for many years. The Lady Blunt is known for its well-preserved condition and sweet, delicate tone and has been valued at a staggering $15.9 million.
The current owner of The Lady Blunt is the Nippon Music Foundation, a Japanese organization that promotes classical music and owns several other valuable instruments. The foundation purchased the violin in 2011 for $15.9 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive musical instrument ever sold at auction.
Did You Know?
The Lady Blunt is one of many priceless instruments that continue to inspire musicians and music lovers worldwide.
2. The Vieuxtemps
Year Crafted: 1741
Crafted by: Guarneri del Gesù
Current Owner: Anonymous
photo source: Hansell violin
The Vieuxtemps, a violin made by Guarneri del Gesù in 1741, is one of the world’s most famous and highly prized violins. It is named after the Belgian violinist Henri Vieuxtemps, who owned and played the instrument for much of his career. The Vieuxtemps is known for its powerful, rich tone and has been valued at a staggering $16 million.
The current owner of The Vieuxtemps is anonymous, which is not uncommon for high-value instruments such as this. Many collectors choose to keep their ownership of such treasures private for various reasons. However, the violin has been loaned to various musicians over the years and is still played in concerts and recordings.
Did You Know?
The Vieuxtemps is one of the most famous and celebrated violins in the world, and it serves as a testament to the incredible artistry and craftsmanship of Guarneri del Gesù.
1. The Messiah
Year Crafted: 1716
Crafted by: Antonio Stradivari
Current Owner: Ashmolean Museum
photo source: Classic FM
The Messiah, a violin crafted by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari, is the most expensive violin ever, valued at $20 million. The violin is named after its supposed first owner, the Italian composer and violinist Alessandro Stradella, nicknamed “the Messiah” for his musical genius.
The history of The Messiah is shrouded in mystery, as it was hidden away for much of its existence. It is believed that the violin was purchased directly from Stradivari by the French collector Count Cozio di Salabue, who then sold it to the English violinist and collector James Bond. After Bond’s death, the violin was hidden for over a century and not rediscovered until 1901.
Did You Know?
The Messiah is one of only a few Stradivari violins in public collections. Most Stradivari violins are in the hands of private collectors or musicians and are rarely seen or heard by the public.
