TARISIO TO SELL THE ‘DA VINCI, EX-SEIDEL’ 1714 STRADIVARI VIOLIN

The Stradivari violin owned by Toscha Seidel – once heard on concert stages around the world,
and on some of the most iconic Hollywood film soundtracks – to be auctioned June 9
Private Viewings Planned for New York, London, B

Tarisio—the leading international venue for fine instruments and bows—will present the ‘da Vinci, ex-Seidel’ Stradivari violin on June 9, 2022 via worldwide auction. In advance of the sale, Tarisio will offer special viewings of the famed violin in the U.S., Europe, China, and Japan.

Crafted in Italy in 1714 by the legendary Antonio Stradivari, the ‘da Vinci, ex-Seidel’ belongs to the most
exclusive and coveted “Golden Period” of his production. This instrument presents a rare opportunity for
collectors, soloists, foundations, and investors to acquire one of the master’s most desirable instruments.
It has been more than 15 years since a violin from the esteemed Golden Period has been offered at
auction. Previously part of several important 19th century collections, this violin was the concert
companion of the celebrated Russian-American virtuoso Toscha Seidel for nearly forty years; such
provenance assures its stature in the oeuvre of Stradivari. Seidel was a protegé of the legendary
pedagogue Leopold Auer, a classmate of Jascha Heifetz, and is widely considered one of the greats of the
20th century. The violin currently forms part of an important Japanese collection.

On April 27, 1924, the violin made front-page headlines in The New York Times, when it was acquired by
Seidel. He said of his prized acquisition“…we precisely suit each other, and I am convinced it is one of
the finest examples of the famous violin maker.” Seidel owned the violin for nearly four decades, during
which he performed with major orchestras, made numerous acclaimed recordings, hosted a popular
radio program and served as CBS Network’s musical director. He also recorded several early Hollywood
film scores with this violin, including The Wizard of Oz (the plaintive “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”),
Intermezzo, and Melody for Three.

“Antonio Stradivari is the greatest violin maker of all time; it is our tremendous pleasure to present this
instrument, whose exquisite voice still speaks to us through many classical recordings and film scores
performed by the incomparable Toscha Seidel,” said Carlos Tome, Director at Tarisio. “We can only
imagine the thrill that this instrument has generated for countless musicians and audiences over the
centuries. We are grateful to have the privilege of finding the next owner for this exceptional instrument,
and to continue its living legacy.”

Over the next few months and in advance of the auction, Tarisio will exhibit the ‘da Vinci’ in London,
Berlin, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and in New York City, where it will be on view through early
June. Further details about the ‘da Vinci’ Strad are available at tarisio.com/davinci

About Tarisio: Founded in 1999, Tarisio is recognized as the leading venue for fine and rare stringed
instruments and bows. The company revolutionized the fine instrument market by bringing efficiencies
to global internet bidding combined with unparalleled professionalism and ethics. Tarisio currently has
offices in New York, London, and Berlin. Its team of specialists travels extensively to source and evaluate
the finest instruments worldwide. Tarisio conducts nine auctions each year, as well as numerous private
sales of high-value items to musicians, patrons, dealers, collectors, and institutions.. Annually, it sells
more than 3,000 fine instruments and bows across global markets. Tarisio holds numerous international
auction records, and in 2011, set the current world record for a Stradivari instrument with the sale of the
“Lady Blunt” for $15.9M (U.S.)