Axelrod quartet
Encyclopedia
Stradivarius
The name Stradivarius is associated with violins built by members of the Stradivari family, particularly Antonio Stradivari. According to their reputation, the quality of their sound has defied attempts to explain or reproduce, though this belief is controversial...
instruments collected by Herbert R. Axelrod
Herbert R. Axelrod
Herbert Richard Axelrod is a tropical fish expert, publisher of pet books, and entrepreneur. In 2005 he was sentenced in U.S. court to 18 months in prison for tax fraud.-Early life:...
. The collection consists of the Greffuhle violin, Axelrod viola, Ole Bull violin, and Marylebone cello.
In 1997, Axelrod donated them to the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
. Their value at the time was estimated at $50 million.
The Axelrod quartet is occasionally used in performances. In concert, the Servais Stradivarius
Servais Stradivarius
The Servais Stradivarius is an antique cello crafted in 1701 by Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari of Cremona . It is one of only sixty-three extant cellos attributed to his handicraft...
, which is also in the Smithsonian's collection, is occasionally added to the Axelrod quartet.