Centuries-Old Master Violins Land in Chongqing, Captivating Music Lovers
If music is humanity’s oldest and most emotionally powerful artistic jewel, then the instruments that bring it to life—resonating deeply with human emotion—are the crown that preserves this jewel. Centuries-old master violins, carefully crafted by the world’s finest luthiers and refined through time, continue to emit astonishing artistic power under the bows of skilled performers, drawing countless music enthusiasts into their spell.
On December 10, 2018, the IUEStings Master Violin Experience Center, part of the IUEStings Group in Chongqing University Town, hosted a prestigious master violin appraisal salon. Renowned performers, instrument connoisseurs, and music lovers from across Southwest China attended this exceptional event. The exhibition featured violins dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries from Italy, France, the United States, and other countries, including signature series, IUEStings series, Cremona school instruments, antique replicas, and historic violin collections.
A standout piece was a violin by Leandro Bisiach (1864–1945), a celebrated Italian luthier of the Cremona school and accomplished violinist. Bisiach’s instruments have won numerous awards and gained international acclaim, notably at the 1900 Paris and 1910 Brussels World Expositions.
The event featured performances by distinguished musicians: Professor Wang Hong, member of the Chinese Musicians Association, director of the Cello Society of China, leader of the Chongqing Youth Symphony Orchestra, and master’s supervisor; Professor Li Ke, former violinist of the China National Symphony Orchestra and principal of the National Chamber Orchestra, now Chair of the Performance Department at Southwest University Music School; and Associate Professor Chen Ruoxu, a U.S.-trained music artist and head of the Keyboard Department at Southwest University Music School. Using two multi-million-dollar master violins, they performed timeless classics including Mozart Piano Trio, The Swan, and selections from Schindler’s List, immersing the audience in the dreamlike charm of these historic instruments.
The star exhibit was a cello crafted in 1730 by the renowned Italian luthier Carlo Antonio Testore (1693–1765) during his golden period of violin making. Valued at 4 million RMB, the cello reflects Testore’s family tradition, featuring delicate light-colored varnish and a flat back on the scroll instead of a groove. According to Mr. Tang Pei, Chairman of Chongqing IUEStings Cultural Communication Group, the instrument was personally escorted by IUEStings staff from Italy to Chongqing for the exhibition, highlighting its immense historical and artistic value.
Other notable exhibits included violins by Antonio Gragnani (1741–1794), the most prominent and influential luthier of the Gragnani family. His instruments are celebrated not only for their elegant, classical appearance but also for their ingenious craftsmanship, ensuring that their beautiful sound endures through the centuries.
The salon attracted a distinguished audience of music professionals and enthusiasts, including Dr. He Lin, violin professor and doctoral supervisor at Louisiana State University; Professor Zhu Yeli of Chongqing University’s Arts College; Professor Zhang Bei of Southwest University Music School; Zeng Heping, former principal of the Chongqing Opera Symphony Orchestra; violinists Wang Jinjun, Liao Yuanyu, and Cao Yin; and renowned music enthusiast and entrepreneur Wang Xianhua, among others. All attendees admired and experienced the unparalleled artistry of these historic master violins.