'Soil' Stradivarius

Filed under Famous instruments & value · Stradivarius Violins editorial team

The 'Soil' Stradivarius is a violin crafted in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari during his golden period, when the master luthier produced instruments widely regarded as among his finest works. The instrument's construction and tonal qualities exemplify the craftsmanship that has made Stradivari violins sought-after by performers and collectors for centuries.

The violin's modern performance history began with Yehudi Menuhin, the celebrated violinist who owned and played the instrument during his distinguished career. Following Menuhin's tenure, the 'Soil' was acquired by Itzhak Perlman, one of the most prominent virtuosos of the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Perlman has maintained the instrument in active use, performing and recording on it for decades.

The 'Soil' stands as one of the most frequently heard Stradivari violins in the modern concert repertoire, owing largely to Perlman's extensive performance and recording schedule. Its regular presence in major concert halls and commercial recordings has made it familiar to audiences worldwide. The instrument thus represents both a landmark of Stradivari's craftsmanship and a living example of how instruments from the golden period continue to serve as primary tools for leading musicians in the contemporary era.

Sources: Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments; The Metropolitan Museum of Art — musical instruments collection. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.

More in Famous instruments & value

All famous instruments & value →