I have an error to confess. In yesterday's Independent I wrote about David Garrett, the world class violinist who slipped and smashed his instrument, which I described as a "priceless Stradivarius". Actually, it was not made by Antonio Stradivari, but by one of his pupils Giovanni Guadagnini. Guadagnini was one of the greatest instrument makers of all time, but not the greatest, a Mike Tyson of violin makers rather than the Muhammed Ali of his craft. This would make the smashed instrument worth around £1 million, when it was in one piece. Apologies to anyone inconvenienced by this mistake.
Garrett will be playing a genuine Stradivarius when he performs Bruch's Violin Concerto at the Barbican tonight.
Blimey! An apology from an Independent journalist. You'll be getting a Reader's Editor next.
Posted by: Clifford | Thursday, 14 February 2008 at 01:20 PM
how much were you paid to write that error?
Posted by: max | Thursday, 14 February 2008 at 05:01 PM
While you're in the correcting mood, Guadagnini wasn't a student of Stradivari either. He was from the city of Piacenza.
Posted by: Mike | Sunday, 17 February 2008 at 05:56 AM
Accidentally crushing a precious antique violin in its case is a travesty that can be avoided. A well-designed violin case is all it would take.
Unfortunately, even the best violin cases today, despite luxurious, high-tech features, were not designed with protection in mind. And owners of prized Stradiveris, Guarneris and Amatis can never be certain that the multi-million-dollar instrument they’re carrying is truly safe.
There are, however, ways to address protection in case design. As the only traditional Cremonese violin maker in the U.S. and a restorer and caretaker of vintage instruments, I am baffled that manufacturers have not done so to date.
Posted by: Marco Coppiardi | Tuesday, 19 February 2008 at 07:50 PM
A Guadagnini is an incredible instrument. It's tragic to have one smashed up -- maybe it can be restored. The value in pounds or dollars may not be there, but perhaps the sound can be salvaged.
Posted by: bachfiddle | Saturday, 22 March 2008 at 03:39 AM
Some say that this was a publicity stunt.
Posted by: User | Wednesday, 25 March 2009 at 04:12 PM