NEW YORK (AP) 鈥 A violin made in 1714 by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari sold for $11.3 million at an auction in New York on Friday, short of estimates that would have made it the most expensive instrument ever sold.
SothebyB次元官网网址 auction house had estimated that the 鈥淛oachim-Ma Stradivarius鈥 violin could sell for between $12 million and $18 million, with the higher end of the range potentially eclipsing the record-breaking $15.9 million someone paid for another Stradivari violin at auction more than a decade ago.
The 鈥淛oachim-Ma Stradivarius鈥 is regarded as one of Stradivari's best works, built during his 鈥淕olden Period鈥 at the height of his craftsmanship and acoustic mastery, according to the auction house.
Adding to the intrigue, the violin is believed to have influenced legendary composer Johannes Brahms when he wrote the famed 鈥淰iolin Concerto in D Major鈥 and was actually played during the concerto's 1879 premiere.
鈥淭his extraordinary violin represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, its unparalleled sound and storied provenance captivating collectors and musicians alike,鈥 Mari-Claudia Jimenez, chair at SothebyB次元官网网址. 鈥淭he Joachim-Ma Stradivarius garnered global attention, achieving one of the highest prices ever for a musical instrument 鈥 an acknowledgment of its rarity and historical importance.鈥
Bidding at Sotheby's began at $8 million and within seconds shot up to $10 million, as auctioneer Phyllis Kao scanned the room, looking for someone to put up $10.5 million.
鈥淎m I selling? At $10 million,鈥 she said, looking to potential bidders.
The room was quiet.
鈥淟ast chance, at $10 million," she said. "I can sell, and I will, at $10 million, unless you go on.鈥
鈥淪old. $10 million," she said, banging a gavel.
The final price includes auction house fees.
The name of the instrument comes from two of its famous violin virtuoso owners, Joseph Joachim of Hungary and Si-Hon Ma of China. Ma's estate gifted the violin to the New England Conservatory in Boston after his death.
The conservatory will use the proceeds to fund student scholarships.
鈥淭he sale is transformational for future students, and proceeds will establish the largest named endowed scholarship at New England Conservatory,鈥 said Andrea Kalyn, president of New England Conservatory. 鈥淚t has been an honor to have the Joachim-Ma Stradivari on campus, and we are eager to watch its legacy continue on the world stage.鈥
