Catalogue

Summary:

1715: the famed Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari constructs what will become one of his most legendary violins. Among its first owners is Giuseppe Tartini, he of the “Devil’s Trill” Sonata.

c.1817: the violin is bequeathed to Polish virtuoso violinist Karol Lipiński who inspired many works for the instrument

2008: after passing through many countries and collections the “Lipiński” Strad arrives in the hands of Frank Almond, through an anonymous donor

2013: Frank Almond releases A Violin’s Life, an album that traces the provenance of the “Lipiński” Strad, with music by Schumann, Tartini, Julius Röntgen, and Lipiński himself

January 2014: Following a concert, walking towards his car, Frank Almond is tasered by an assailant and the “Lipiński” Strad is stolen. An FBI pursuit results in the recovery of the “Lipiński” Strad a few weeks later. International media coverage goes viral, including international TV coverage, a feature in Vanity Fair, NPR, BBC, and much more.

May 2016: Frank Almond releases A Violin Life, Volume 2, featuring more music associated with the “Lipiński” Strad, including works by Beethoven, Amanda Maier-Röntgen and Eduard Tubin, poised to create another classic release.

The “Lipiński” Strad lives on…

Tracklist:

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770–1827)
Violin Sonata No. 9, Op, 47
1. I. Adagio sostenuto – Presto
2. II. Andante con variazioni
3. III. Presto

AMANDA MAIER-RÖNTGEN (1853–1894)
Violin Sonata in B minor
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Andantino
6. III. Allegro molto vivace

EDUARD TUBIN (1905–1982)
7. Sonata for Solo Violin