Stradivarius violins are known as the best violins in the world. Famous musicians love to play them. These violins can be strong and powerful, soft and expressive, energetic and brilliant. Said one performer: "It's like a great race car. There's more power than you need, and it responds to the slightest touch." Antonio Stradivari was a master artisan who lived in northern Italy about 300 years ago. Many people have tried to imitate his unique way of crafting stringed instruments, but none have succeeded. That's one reason why "Strad" violins today are often worth millions of dollars.

Many would say that Stradivarius violins come close to musical perfection. Perfection is a rare commodity.  (Today in the Word, June 2007)