The mystery of the ‘Red Violin’
By Sean McAlindin, Tahoe Weekly
There are few things humans like more than a good mystery — other than solving one, of course.
When Elizabeth Pitcairn’s grandfather put forth a $1.6-million secret bid at a 1990 Christie’s auction to win ownership of the legendary Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin, she was just shy of her 17th birthday.
In 1720, Antonio Stradivari crafted the historic instrument at his small shop in Cremona, Italy. It is said to be from the golden period of Stradivari’s work, which includes some of the most acoustically perfect creations ever achieved by man.
For nearly two centuries, the whereabouts of the violin were unknown. Those years were beautifully reimagined in the fictional 1998 Canadian film “The Red Violin.”
My husband and I have had the privilege of hearing Elizabeth play her Stradivarius at TOCCATA concerts several times. Between the extraordinary acoustic quality of the instrument and her skill, it is always a very special occasion. Readers who attend the next concert (Feb 17 at Incline Cornerstone Church or Feb 23 at St. Theresa in South Lake Tahoe)have a treat awaiting them. Information is available on the TOCCATA website.