Yehudi Menuhin Plays The Lady Blunt Stradivarius – June 6th 1971 – Original Press Photograph

Publisher: BBC
Price: £50.00
Date: June 6th 1971
Photograph Size: 16.4cm x 21.9cm including margins
Format: Original Press Photograph
Condition: Very good
Edition: Not stated.

Details:

Menuhin played the violin for the ‘All In A Day’ episode ‘The Auction’. Slightly creased, marked and rubbed but in very good condition. Scarce.

The Lady Blunt Stradivarius: A Short Biography

The Lady Blunt Stradivarius is one of the most famous and valuable violins ever made. Crafted by the renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari in 1721, this instrument is a masterpiece of construction, artistry, and preservation. Named after Lady Anne Blunt, a descendant of the poet Lord Byron and an early owner, the violin has an extraordinary history that spans continents and centuries.

Origins and Craftsmanship

The Lady Blunt was made during what many experts consider Stradivari’s “Golden Period” (roughly 1700–1725), a time when he produced instruments with exceptional tonal quality and exquisite craftsmanship. Antonio Stradivari used the finest materials for the Lady Blunt, constructing it with carefully aged spruce for the top and maple for the back, ribs, and neck. His innovations in violin design, from the shape of the body to the varnish used, contributed to the instrument’s resonant sound and visual beauty. The varnish, which is exceptionally well-preserved on this violin, has a warm amber hue that enhances its aesthetic appeal.

Ownership and the Name “Lady Blunt”

The violin is named after Lady Anne Blunt, who was a noted Arabist, traveller, and violinist, as well as a member of the British aristocracy. She acquired the instrument in the late 19th century and was captivated by its sound and beauty. Lady Blunt was a fascinating figure herself, being an accomplished artist, a translator of Arabic poetry, and an early enthusiast for Middle Eastern culture. Her ownership helped cement the violin’s legacy and distinguished it from other Stradivarius instruments, which were often named after prominent owners.

Condition and Preservation

Unlike many Stradivarius violins that have undergone extensive restorations or alterations over the centuries, the Lady Blunt remains in remarkable condition. It has been played sparingly, which has helped preserve its original state. The neck of the instrument, for instance, has not been modernised, and the varnish is largely intact, making it one of the least altered Stradivarius violins in existence. This pristine condition offers rare insight into Stradivari’s original craftsmanship, making it an invaluable piece for historians and musicians alike.

Sales and Record-Breaking Auctions

The Lady Blunt has changed hands through various private sales and auctions, often setting records for its sale price. In 1971, it was sold at Sotheby’s for £84,000, a record at the time. It continued to appreciate in value, and in 2011, the Nippon Music Foundation, which had owned the violin for over a decade, decided to sell it to support the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In a historic online auction organised by Tarisio, an online fine instrument auction house, the Lady Blunt sold for a staggering $15.9 million, making it one of the most expensive violins ever sold.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Today, the Lady Blunt is celebrated not only for its rarity and quality but also as a cultural artefact that bridges the realms of art, history, and philanthropy. Its exceptional preservation provides a glimpse into the past, allowing musicians and violin makers to understand Stradivari’s genius with an instrument that remains close to its original form. Though it is rarely played due to its value and condition, it continues to inspire musicians and luthiers alike.

The Lady Blunt Stradivarius stands as a testament to Stradivari’s unparalleled skill, Lady Anne Blunt’s legacy, and the timeless beauty of a masterfully crafted instrument.

Yehudi Menuhin: A Short Biography

Yehudi Menuhin (1916–1999) was an American-born violinist and conductor who became one of the 20th century’s most celebrated classical musicians. Renowned for his extraordinary talent and commitment to musical and social causes, Menuhin’s career spanned nearly eight decades, during which he influenced the world of classical music and became a global cultural ambassador.

Early Life and Background

Yehudi Menuhin was born on April 22, 1916, in New York City to Russian-Jewish immigrants from what is now Belarus. His parents, Moshe and Marutha Menuhin, were intellectuals and fostered a deep respect for Jewish tradition, the arts, and intellectual pursuits. Menuhin’s prodigious talent became apparent at a very young age. He received his first violin at the age of four, and within a few years, his talent was evident to all who heard him play.

His early training was guided by violinist Sigmund Anker, followed by instruction from famed Romanian violinist George Enescu. Enescu would become a lifelong mentor and influence on Menuhin’s playing style and philosophy, emphasizing an intuitive and natural approach to music over rigid technicality.

Early Career and Breakthrough

At age seven, Menuhin made his public debut with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, astonishing audiences with his poise and skill. In 1927, at age 11, he performed with the Berlin Philharmonic under conductor Bruno Walter, delivering a programme that included Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms concertos. This performance earned him worldwide fame and was the beginning of a busy touring schedule that saw him perform in major European cities before he was even a teenager.

By the age of 13, Menuhin was hailed as one of the greatest violinists of his time. His interpretation of the great concertos, notably those by Beethoven and Brahms, captivated audiences with a maturity and depth that defied his age. His 1932 recording of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with the conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler remains a milestone in the history of recorded classical music.

World War II and a Commitment to Humanity

During World War II, Menuhin took an active role in supporting the Allied forces. He performed for troops, often travelling to dangerous front-line locations. His wartime experience profoundly affected him, and he became a dedicated advocate for peace and humanitarian causes. In 1947, he performed in Germany as part of an effort to heal post-war wounds. His concerts included a symbolic performance with Furtwängler in Berlin, a gesture of reconciliation that faced criticism but underscored his belief in music as a force for unity and understanding.

Post-War Career and Musical Evolution

In the years following the war, Menuhin expanded his repertoire and took on new challenges. He began conducting, studying with conductor and teacher George Enescu, as well as Wilhelm Furtwängler. He also explored the works of contemporary composers, commissioning and premiering compositions by Béla Bartók, Benjamin Britten, and William Walton, among others.

In the 1950s, Menuhin began a fruitful collaboration with Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. This cross-cultural partnership introduced Western audiences to Indian classical music and opened doors for musical fusion. The two artists recorded West Meets East, an album that would go on to win a Grammy Award in 1967. Menuhin’s interest in world music continued throughout his life, as he performed with and advocated for musicians from various cultures, notably promoting artists from Asia and Africa.

Founding the Menuhin School and Teaching Legacy

A passionate teacher, Menuhin believed in nurturing the next generation of musicians. In 1963, he founded the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, England, a music school dedicated to gifted young musicians. The school combined rigorous musical training with academic education, becoming one of the world’s foremost institutions for young talent. Many graduates of the school went on to prominent careers in music, and Menuhin remained actively involved with the school until his death.

Awards, Recognition, and Humanitarian Work

Throughout his career, Menuhin received numerous accolades and honours, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the prestigious Légion d’Honneur from France, and honorary citizenships from various cities. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965, becoming Sir Yehudi Menuhin, and later in life, he was granted a life peerage, becoming Lord Menuhin of Stoke d’Abernon in 1993.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Menuhin was a dedicated human rights advocate. He supported efforts to improve intercultural understanding, promoted international music education, and spoke out against apartheid and other forms of social injustice. His Menuhin Foundation, established in 1962, sought to bring music to schools, hospitals, and underprivileged communities, and continues to support various social initiatives through music.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Menuhin continued to perform, conduct, and record, although age and injury began to affect his playing. He shifted his focus more towards conducting, leading orchestras around the world and championing underperformed works. He was active almost until his death, passing away in Berlin on March 12, 1999, at the age of 82.

Yehudi Menuhin left a remarkable legacy that extends beyond his musical achievements. He is remembered as one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century, with recordings and performances that still inspire new generations. His belief in the power of music as a tool for peace, healing, and education has resonated globally, as have his efforts to bring classical music to a broader audience and bridge cultural divides.

Through his recordings, his school, his foundation, and his pioneering collaborations with artists across genres and borders, Menuhin continues to influence musicians, students, and humanitarians alike, embodying the idea that music is not only an art but a universal language.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: 5004: 5004G 002502

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