Voting Station

Antonio Stradivari

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Craftsman

The Resume

    (1644-December 18, 1737)
    Born in Lombardy Region, Italy
    Raised in Cremona, Italy
    Luthier and creator of famed Stradivarius (Strad) instruments
    Instruments crafted included violins, violas, cellos, two known guitars and at least one known harp
    Crafted over 1,100 instruments total of which around 600 exist today
    Died at age 93 and buried in the Basilica of San Domenico, Cremona, Italy
    Largest collections of Stradivari instruments accessible to the public is the U.S. Library of Congress (three violins, a viola and a cello) and the Agency of National Estates of Spain (two violins, a viola and a cello)

Why he might be annoying:

    There is debate whether or not he was a pupil of famed luthier Nicolò Amati.
    He produced more than just stringed instruments as he sired six children by his first wife and five by his second.
    He believed each instrument he created was a gift for God.
    Other luthiers creating works in Stradivarius fashion were allowed to stamp 'Stradivarius' on their pieces, creating confusion and the occasional high priced purchase of a faux masterpiece.
    His two verified remaining guitars can not be played as they are sitting in museums (one in Oxford, England and the other in Vermillion, South Dakota).

Why he might not be annoying:

    He is synonymous with violins, even by those who have never listened to classical music in their lives.
    He shared his knowledge with two of his sons so the family could continue the art of fine luthier crafting.
    The Basilica of San Domenico was demolished in 1868 and his remains are thought to be forever lost.
    Owners and musicians of his works include the Vienna Philharmonic (four violins and a cello), a violin by Itzhak Perlman and a cello by Yo-Yo Ma.
    On May 16, 2006, the Hammer Stradivarius (named for 19th century Swedish collector Christian Hammer) was sold at Christie's auction for a record $3,544,000, the highest price ever paid in a public auction for a musical instrument.

Credit: Scar Tactics


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 13 Votes: 38.46% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 17 Votes: 29.41% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 12 Votes: 41.67% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 18 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 20 Votes: 35.00% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 9 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 81 Votes: 62.96% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 38 Votes: 39.47% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 96 Votes: 36.46% Annoying