LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Antonio Stradivari
built 656 days ago
The modern cello was developed during the Baroque period and perfected by Antonio Stradivari in 1700. This means that "state of the art" was achieved 300 years ago for an instrument essential in classical Orchestral works, Chamber music and Solo repertoire of last five centuries. It is ... used in modern popular idioms, such as New Age and Rock and Roll.
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Myriad proposals have surfaced in the past several centuries to explain how Antonio Stradivari imbued his now priceless wares with transcendental sound. Some have suggested that Stradivari used beams from ancient cathedrals; others argued that he gave his wood a good urine soaking. The latest theory proposes that the craftsman should thank the sun's rays - or lack thereof.
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Evening Standard - London; 4/28/2004; 36 words; A CELLO made by Antonio Stradivari has been stolen from a Los Angeles home. Made in 1684 and valued at nearly Pounds 2 million, it was one of about 60 made by Stradivari and was bought by the LA Philharmonic Association 30 years ago.
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It is not known for certain when Antonio Stradivari was born as no birth certificate has been found. The year 1644 was determined based on a number of labels from his late instrument that contain the words "D'Anni" (of the age) followed by a number from 91 to 93. The last instruments, dated 1737 have "D'Anni 93" leading to the conclusion that Stradivari was 93 when he built those instruments and hence was born in 1644. It was always assumed that Antonio himself had written in his age, as a sign of pride, but a recent re-examination of these labels suggests that they weren't written by Antonio at all, but possibly by Cozio di Salabue, who acquired the instruments from Antonio's son Paolo. If this is the case, then presumably Paolo told Cozio how old his father was, so the birthdate might still stand, though it is of less certainty than before.
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Antonio Stradivari