The Stradivarius Violin That Transformed Cho-Liang Lin’s Life

You don’t have to be a classical music enthusiast – you don’t even need to know a cello from a viola – to recognize the name “Stradivarius.” According to the Smithsonian, only 650 of these precious and prized instruments exist in the world, and the real deal can sell for millions. These violins, made by the legendary Antonio Stradivari, have achieved almost mythical status, renowned for their unrivaled tone, clarity and depth. For Grammy-named violinist Cho Liang Linhis Stradivarius is much more than a precious possession; it is the cornerstone of his artistic journey, a bridge to centuries of musical tradition, and a tool that has helped shape his legacy in classical music.

Cho-Liang Lin’s fascination with the violin began during his childhood in Taiwan, where he first discovered recordings of great violinists playing on Stradivarius instruments. These masterpieces captivated him, sparking dreams of one day owning and playing alone. As a young musician, Lin recognized that these violins represented not only exquisite craftsmanship, but also a deep connection to an artistic lineage that spanned centuries.

“It’s a privilege,” he says of owning one. “I have to say that at the start of my career, I had no money. I got nothing. I didn’t have the money to even consider purchasing even a $5,000 instrument. It was out of the question, but I was loaned one, and it really opened up a whole new world for me. I was about 17 or 18 years old, and it changed my whole relationship with the violin because a great violin opened up whole new horizons for me and also taught me to be extremely astute in extracting sound from the violin because a Stradivarius is not like your ordinary violin. He’s like a person, a very special person.

Cho-Liang Lin’s career-defining decision

The determination of Cho-Liang Lin and career on the rise finally brought him closer to his dream. At the age of 23, he took a bold step that would define his artistic journey: he bought his first Strad. This decision was as much an act of faith as a calculated risk: he was a struggling artist with few resources.

“I was very lucky to have been forced to take the plunge at the age of 23 to buy my first Stradivarius, a high-quality violin,” he recalls. “I found a great Stradivarius in a shop in London, and it had a very distinguished pedigree, and I bought it and paid off its debt for six years, with only 100 concerts a year. I put every available penny into the bank account to be able to pay off the debt. Six years later, the Strad was all mine. This may be the wisest investment I’ve ever made.

The bet paid off. The Stradivarius opened new doors for Lin, not only in terms of performance opportunities, but also in his ability to connect deeply with audiences. The extraordinary sonic qualities of the violin allowed Lin to explore the full emotional depth of the music he performed, making his performances both unique and deeply moving.

What makes a Stradivarius so special?

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries – often called the “golden period” of violin making – Antonio Stradivari was a recognized master of the craft. These instruments are famous for their unparalleled ability to project sound, tonal warmth, and responsiveness to the player’s touch. But what really sets them apart is their ability to convey emotions with astonishing clarity. Each Stradivarius violin has a distinct personality shaped by its wood, construction and history.

For Cho-Liang Lin, his Stradivarius is a partner in his artistic talent. The violin challenges him to refine his technique and continually deepen his musical interpretations. Its nuances and complexities require a level of attention and care that few instruments require. In return, he offers a timeless voice, allowing Lin to bring classic compositions to life in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.

However, owning a Stradivarius comes with its challenges. These instruments are very sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity and handling, requiring constant maintenance and vigilance. For Lin, this care is a labor of love, a small price to pay for the privilege of playing an instrument that embodies centuries of musical tradition.

“Musically, it started paying big dividends for me,” he says. “Some of my first recordings, and perhaps some of my best, were made on this particular violin. And I have nothing but the fondest memories of this particular violin.

The Stradivarius as guardian of heritage

The Stradivarius violin represents much more than exceptional craftsmanship; it is a living artifact of music history. For Cho-Liang Lin, playing this instrument connects him to a lineage of great musicians who have carried the torch of classical music through the centuries. Each performance is a chance to honor this heritage.

Lin’s Stradivarius has accompanied him on countless stages around the world, from iconic concert halls to intimate chamber music settings. His voice has become an integral part of Lin’s identity as a musician, allowing him to convey the subtleties and complexities of classical music with unprecedented expressiveness. Whether performing Bach, Beethoven, or modern compositions, the violin allows Lin to explore diverse emotions, from delicate introspection to powerful exuberance.

This link with the past is particularly significant at a time when classical music faces challenges while maintaining its relevance. For Lin, the Stradivarius serves as a reminder of the enduring value of the genre and its ability to move and inspire audiences across generations.