Hercules Stradivarius
Musical instrumentAbout
The 1734 'Hercules' Stradivarius is a renowned violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari, one of the most celebrated luthiers in history. This instrument is part of the Israel Philharmonic's collection, having been gifted by the Polish violinist Henryk Szeryng in 1972 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Israel's founding. The 'Hercules' Stradivarius has a rich history, having previously been owned by Eugène Ysaÿe, a prominent Belgian violinist, who preferred playing his Guarneri in performances. The violin's history includes a notable theft in 1908 from the Imperial Theatre in St Petersburg while Ysaÿe was on stage. It resurfaced in a Parisian dealer's shop and was later acquired by Carl Münch. Szeryng purchased it in 1962 and later donated it to the city of Jerusalem. Today, the 'Hercules' Stradivarius is played by concertmasters of the Israel Philharmonic, continuing its legacy as a prized musical instrument. Its significance extends beyond its ownership, representing the craftsmanship and enduring sound quality of Stradivari's creations.
