The Salabue Stradivari. --------------------- _A History and Critical Description_ OF THE FAMOUS VIOLIN COMMONLY CALLED “LE MESSIE.” Containing many particulars obtained from authentic sources and now published for the first time. _Illustrated with Three Coloured Plates by_ MR. SHIRLEY SLOCOMBE. -------------- W. E. HILL & SONS, 38, NEW BOND STREET, LONDON, W. NOVELLO, EWER & CO., LONDON AND NEW YORK. ------- 1891. ------- _All Rights Reserved._ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PRINTED BY NOVELLO, EWER & CO., LONDON, W. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PREFATORY NOTE. THIS monograph forms the second number of a series which opened with the pamphlet on the Tuscan Stradivari, published nearly two years ago, when that remarkable violin was in our possession. Our purpose in these publications is to furnish descriptive notices of some of the masterpieces of violin making, with critical analyses of their characteristic features and authentic particulars of their history. In pursuance of this object we have spared no pains in seeking original sources of information, and in carefully sifting evidence; and, by these means, we hope to succeed in correcting many of the loose ideas current with regard to the works of Stradivari and the other great makers, and in establishing trustworthy data for the guidance of the present and future generations of devotees of the violin. In the preparation of the materials for the present memoir, we have been greatly indebted to our friend Signor Federico Sacchi, of Cremona, for his indefatigable researches at the fountain-head of information on the subject of Stradivari and his native town; and we desire to take this opportunity of acknowledging the great value of his assistance in throwing light upon many points previously obscure. Our observations upon the general characteristics of the instrument, and the comparative analysis of its distinctive features, are based upon a professional experience of more than fifty years, engrafted upon family traditions in the craft dating from the middle of the last century. Our own views are supplemented by the published testimony of several authorities whose opinions cannot fail to command respect wherever the name of Stradivari is known.