You don’t have to be a classical music lover to recognize the name “Stradivarius.” You don’t even need to know viola or cello. According to the Smithsonian, there are only 650 of these precious instruments in existence in the world, and their actual street value can reach millions of dollars. Created by the legendary Antonio Stradivari, this violin has achieved almost mythical status, renowned for its incomparable tone, clarity and depth. For Grammy-nominated violinist Cho-Liang Lin, his Stradivarius is more than a prized possession. It is the cornerstone of his artistic journey, a bridge spanning hundreds of years of musical tradition, and a tool that helped shape his legacy in classical music.
Cho-Liang Lin’s fascination with the violin began during his childhood in Taiwan, where he first encountered recordings of great violinists playing on Stradivarius instruments. These masterpieces captivated him and inspired his dream of one day owning and performing his own works. As a young musician, Lin recognized that this violin not only represented exquisite craftsmanship, but also symbolized a profound connection to a centuries-long artistic lineage.
“It’s a privilege.” He talks about owning one. “When I started my career, I had no money. I had zilch. I didn’t have the money to even think about buying a $5,000 instrument. It was crazy, but I got the lease, and it really opened up a whole new world for me. I was about 17 or 18 years old, and that completely changed my relationship with the violin. Because a great violin opens up a whole new horizon, and also because the Stradivarius taught us an extremely astute way of extracting sound from the violin, which is different from your violin. An ordinary violin. “He seems like a really special person.”
Cho-Liang Lin’s career decisions
Cho-Liang Lin’s determination and rising career eventually brought him closer to his dreams. At age 23, he took a bold step that would define his artistic journey. I just bought my 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 so lucky that at the age of 23 I had to take the plunge and buy my first fine quality violin, a Stradivarius,” he recalls. “I found a great Stradivarius in a shop in London, it had such an outstanding pedigree, I bought it and paid off my debt over six years with just 100 concerts a year. I put all the money I could into my bank account to help pay off my debt. And six years later, the Strad was completely mine. “It was probably the smartest investment I’ve ever made.”
The gamble paid off. Stradivarius opened new doors for Lin, not only in terms of performance opportunities, but also in the ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The violin’s extraordinary tone allowed Lin to explore the full emotional depth of the music he played, making his interpretations unique and deeply moving.
What makes Stradivarius special?
During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, known as the “Golden Age” of violin making, Antonio Stradivari was recognized as a master violin maker. These instruments are renowned for their exceptional ability to transmit sound, the warmth of their tone, and their responsiveness to the player’s touch. But what really sets it apart is its ability to convey emotion with astonishing clarity. Each Stradivarius violin has a distinct personality depending on 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 continually deepen his musical interpretation. Its nuances and complexities require a level of care and attention required of few instruments. In return, it provides a timeless voice, allowing Lin to bring classic compositions to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
But owning a Stradivarius has its challenges. These equipment are very sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity and handling and require constant maintenance and attention. 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 pay big dividends for me,” he says. “Some of my earliest recordings, and probably some of my best recordings, were made with a particular violin. And I have nothing but the fondest memories of that special violin.”
Stradivarius as legacy keeper
Stradivarius violins represent more than exceptional craftsmanship. It is a living relic of music history. For Cho-Liang Lin, playing this instrument connects him to a lineage of great musicians who have carried the torch of classical music over the centuries. Each performance is an opportunity to celebrate that legacy.
Lin’s Stradivarius has accompanied him on countless stages around the world, from iconic concert halls to intimate chamber music stages. The voice became an integral part of Lin’s identity as a musician, allowing him to convey the subtlety and complexity of classical music with unparalleled expressiveness. Whether playing Bach, Beethoven, or modern compositions, the violin allows Lin to explore a range of emotions, from delicate introspection to powerful vitality.
This connection to the past is especially meaningful in a time when classical music is struggling to remain relevant. For Lin, Stradivarius serves as a reminder of the genre’s enduring value and its ability to move and inspire audiences across generations.
