COLLEGE STATION - Consider the Stradivarius violin.
It is prized as a work of art, it costs $2-10 million, and to music lovers, it produces a sound that is priceless - and one that has become something of a mystery.
Why does a Stradivarius sound like no other?
That has been the research focus of Texas A&M University professor Joseph Nagyvary, who is now beginning his 25th year of delving deep into the mysteries of the violin, and whose work has drawn international attention and acclaim, but also a lot of controversy. His work has included making scores of violins, many of which he and other knowledgable individuals think rival the Stradivarius sound.
The secret of the Stradivarius sound, he believes, starts with the local drug store - the 15th century type. It was there that Italian music maker Antonio Stradivari purchased chemicals used to complete his instruments, most likely upon a recommendation by the store's owner, whoever he was, who deserves much of the credit for the violin's pristine tonal quality.
In other words, Nagyvary's work has concentrated on a chemical approach to the unique Stradivarius sound.
Accordingly, the president of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific organization (160,000 members), will speak about Nagyvary's groundbreaking work at 6 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the Bush Conference Center during "Decoding the Stradivarius," a program honoring the Texas A&M biochemistry professor.
Dr. Attila Pavlath, head of the prestigious ACS, will discuss Nagyvary's research, and following his remarks, Zina Schiff, a concert violinist, and Nagyvary will give a demonstration of violin music on a Stradivarius and other violins, and give the audience members a "sound test" to determine if they can detect the difference in sound of the instruments.
There will also be a complete recital in which Schiff will alternate her Stradivarius with a new violin made at Texas A&M.
"Dr. Nagyvary has attacked
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Contact: Keith Randall
kr@univrel.tamu.edu
979-845-4644
Texas A&M University
29-Jan-2001