The most expensive violins in the world are a class apart in sound, beauty and construction. The instruments are coveted by professional musicians and collectors. Many have a fascinating history and even come with a story. The most famous violins are those made by Guarneri del Gesu and Antonio Stradivari. They are often named after their previous owners and have a special link to Cremona, where the two renowned violin makers were born.
The most expensive violins are usually kept in a museum, but some of the most valuable instruments are used by talented violinists on loan. For example, 23-year-old British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason has been playing the Vieuxtemps Guarneri violin since 2022. He says the instrument is a joy to play and has changed his musical perspective and performance.
It is a pity that so few people can get to know these wonderful instruments. However, some of the most expensive violins can be seen by music lovers at a violin auction.
The Most Expensive Violins in the World: A Collector’s Guide
For instance, the 1715 ‘Ex-Kochanski’ Stradivarius was once owned by Polish violinist Paul Kochanski. It was later bought by the Nippon Music Foundation, a Japanese non-profit organization that promotes classical music and also has several other valuable violins in its possession. The violin is known as the ‘Dolphin’ because George Hart, an American violinist in the 19th century, compared its unique flamed maple back and shimmering golden color to that of a dolphin. It has also been played by virtuoso violinists such as Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman.