You don’t have to be a classical music aficionado — you don’t even have to know a cello from a viola — to recognize the name “Stradivarius.” According to the Smithsonian, only 650 of these precious and prized instruments exist in the world, and the real deal can go for millions. These violins, crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari, have achieved an almost mythical status, renowned for their unparalleled tone, clarity, and depth. For Grammy-nominated violinist Cho-Liang Lin, his Stradivarius is far more than a prized possession; it’s a cornerstone of his artistic journey, a bridge to centuries of musical tradition, and a tool that’s helped shape his legacy in classical music.
Cho-Liang Lin’s fascination with the violin began in his childhood in Taiwan, where he first encountered recordings of great violinists performing on Stradivarius instruments. These masterpieces captivated him, sparking a dream to own and perform on one of his own someday. As a young musician, Lin recognized that these violins represented not only exquisite craftsmanship but also a profound connection to a lineage of artistry that spanned centuries.
“It is a privilege,” he says of owning one. “I have to say, when my career began, I had no money. I had zilch. I didn’t have any money to even contemplate buying even a $5,000 instrument. It was out of the question, but I was loaned one, and that really opened a whole new world for me. I was about 17 or 18, and that changed my entire relationship to the violin because a great violin did open up whole new horizons and also taught me how to be extremely astute in getting the sound out of the violin because a Stradivarius is not like your ordinary fiddle. It’s like a person, a very special person.”
Cho-Liang Lin’s Career-Defining Decision
Cho-Liang Lin’s determination and rising career eventually brought him closer to his dream. At the age of 23, he took a bold step that would define his artistic journey — he purchased his first Strad. This decision was as much a leap of faith as it was a calculated risk — he was a struggling artist with few resources.
“I was very lucky that I was forced to take a plunge at age 23 to buy my first Stradivarius, a violin of great quality,” he recalls. “I found a great Stradivarius in the shop in London, and it had a very distinguished pedigree, and I bought it and I paid off its debt six years of just 100 concerts a year. I put every penny available into the bank account so I could pay back the debt. And so six years later, the Strad was entirely mine. That was perhaps the wisest investment I ever made.”
The gamble paid off. The Stradivarius opened new doors for Lin, not just in terms of performance opportunities but also in his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The violin’s extraordinary tonal qualities allowed Lin to explore the full emotional depth of the music he performed, making his interpretations both unique and deeply moving.
What Makes a Stradivarius So Special?
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries — often called the “golden period” of violin-making — Antonio Stradivari was an acknowledged master of the craft. These instruments are celebrated for their unparalleled ability to project sound, tonal warmth, and responsiveness to the player’s touch. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to convey emotion with stunning clarity. Each Stradivarius violin has a distinct personality shaped by its wood, construction, and history.
For Cho-Liang Lin, his Stradivarius is a partner in his artistry. The violin challenges him to refine his technique and deepen his musical interpretations continually. Its nuances and complexities demand a level of attention and care that few instruments require. In return, it offers a voice that is timeless, allowing Lin to bring classical compositions to life in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
However, owning a Stradivarius has its challenges. These instruments are highly sensitive to temperature, humidity, and handling changes, requiring constant maintenance and vigilance. For Lin, this care is a labor of love, a small price to pay for the privilege of playing an instrument that embodies centuries of musical tradition.
“Musically, it started to reward me with great dividends,” he says. “Some of my earliest and maybe some of my best recordings were made on that particular violin. And I have nothing but fondest memories of that particular violin.”
The Stradivarius as a Legacy Keeper
The Stradivarius violin represents more than exceptional craftsmanship; it’s a living artifact of musical history. For Cho-Liang Lin, playing this instrument connects him to a lineage of great musicians who have carried the torch of classical music through the centuries. Each performance is a chance to honor that legacy.
Lin’s Stradivarius has accompanied him on countless stages worldwide, from iconic concert halls to intimate chamber music settings. Its voice has become an integral part of Lin’s identity as a musician, allowing him to convey the subtleties and complexities of classical music with unparalleled expressiveness. Whether he’s performing Bach, Beethoven, or modern compositions, the violin enables Lin to explore various emotions, from delicate introspection to powerful exuberance.
This connection to the past is particularly meaningful in an era where classical music faces challenges in maintaining its relevance. For Lin, the Stradivarius serves as a reminder of the genre’s enduring value and its ability to move and inspire audiences across generations.