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Birth
Antonio Stradivari was born in Cremona, Italy in the year of 1644. Little is known about his birth, as there are virtually no records, but it is known that he was the son of Alessandro Stradivari and Anna Moroni. He was one of four children. His birth is significant because it is the beginning of his life (Magill 1281)(TheFamousPeople.com). -
Cell Discovery
Cells were first discovered by Robert Hooke, an English scientist who examined a piece of cork in a microscope and observed the dead cells to look like the cells in which monks lived in. However, these dead cells didn't give him any indication of there being any organelles inside. It is a significant discovery because it led scientists to discover the presence of cells in every other living organism, and a better understanding of life and biology (bitesizebio.com). -
Separation from Apprenticeship
Before becoming the "most famous violin maker in history", Stradivari first started as an apprentice in the art to Nicolo Amati. By 1666, he was making violins not labeled with Amati's name but with his own, in which he changed the spelling to its Latin form: "Stradivarius". It is significant as the beginning of his own work. At the time he was just 22-years-old (Magill 1281). -
The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was a tragic event that began in a baker's shop. The fire spread to much of London, because many of the homes were wooden, thus highly flammable. It was a significant event because of the devastating impact the fire had on the great city, including property damage and financial ruin for many people. It led to a change in construction; wider streets and brick homes (luminarium.org). -
Marriage
Stradivari married Francesca Feraboschi at age twenty-three. Feraboschi was already a widower and older than him by only a few years. They had a total of six children. It is significant because they had a happy marriage and family for eighteen years (Blom 108)(Magill 1281). -
King Philip's War
"King Philip", also known as Metacom, was a Native American who led a group of other natives to defy the new English settlers. The English were invading the land and forcing them to give up their traditional customs, so he sparked a war in what is now Massachusetts. It was a significant event because it was part of the beginning of wars between the natives and the colonists (pilgrimhallmuseum.com). -
New Beginning
Together Stradivari and Feraboschi purchased a house and settled at No.2 Piazza San Domienco where they would start their life. The home was combined as a household and a workshop for Stradivari. He preferred to leave freshly varnished instruments in the attic space to dry. It is significant because it marks a new era in his life (Magill 1281). -
Amati's Death
When Nicolo Amati died, he left Stradivari the sole and greatest violin maker in all of Cremona. Stradivari had worked for Amati for nearly seven or eight years even after Stradivari had established his own workshop. It was believed that Stradivari had continued to work under Amati until Amati's death. This event is significant because of Stradivari's great respect for Amati (Magill 1281)(Blom 108). -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution took place in England, and was given the name because of the bloodless overthrow of King James II by his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange. He was overthrown because of his Catholic faith, and was replaced by his daughter who was Protestant. After, he fled to France. It is significant because it showed that religious intolerance can lead to betrayals in families, and people are stubborn in their religion (britannica.com). -
Treaty of Nerchinsk
The Treaty was signed between Russia and the Chinese Empire to settle peace agreements. It agreed on the border between the countries as along the Stanovoy Range and the Argun River. Its significance was it prevented Russia from potential military defeat, and China recognized Russia in a state of equality (britannica.com). -
The "Long Pattern"
Stradivari was always constantly experimenting and changing his designs in attempt to improve the quality and sound of his instruments. He eventually developed what became known as the "long pattern" . It had different proportions in which he lengthened the body of the violin by 5/16-inch, but kept its original width. In addition, he made other small changes to keep the symmetry of the violin. It is a significant because it is part of the development of the instrument (Magill 1281). -
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials are part of America's history beginning in the home of Reverend Samuel Parris. His daughter and niece became ill, and the doctor's diagnosis was "bewitchment". It would lead to the deaths of 19 men and women accused of being witches. This was a significant event because looking back, people now realize how little was known in the past, and they see how unrealistic it was (salemwitchmuseum.com). -
Second Marriage
After his first wife Francesca Feraboschi died, Stradivari remarried a year later to Maria Zambelli. They had five children, none of which followed their father in the trade. It is significant because he took Feraboschi's death difficultly, but was ready to move on with his own life (Blom 109). -
The "Golden Period"
Between years 1700-1720, Stradivari had what became known as his "golden period", in which was the peak of his career. He had scrapped the long pattern design and was making the instruments we know today. He made some of his most famous violins during the time, such as the "Messiah" and "Salablue". It is significant because it was the time where he was making an increasing number of instruments and gained in popularity (Magill 1282). -
The "Lady Blunt"
In 1721, Stradivari makes The Lady Blunt. Its current owner is unknown, and it sold for nearly $16 million. It is significant as his highest record sold violin (cmuse.com). -
Death
Stradivari died in 1737, after having made 1,100 total instruments. His death is significant because even though he would no longer be around to continue making instruments, he set the fundamental beginnings for the modern day violin and cello. Additionally, he left a legacy that is still respected today (Magill 1281).
