Stradivarius violins' distinctive sound uncovered

Prof Tai acquired maple specimens from four Stradivari instruments and one Guarneri. Nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that all the historical maples exhibited hemicellulose degradation of around one-third over 300 years. Hemicellulos is the most hygroscopic component, and its degradation leads to reduced moisture absorption and reduced internal damping, allowing the wood to vibrate more freely.

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Violin-making refugee shapes a sweeter sounding future - Irish Times

The 30-year-old, who is living in the refugee reception centre in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, has been busy. He crafted a violin from scratch after a local man donated his entire workshop to him.

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Snoozing is high praise for this Denver-based leader in minimalist classical music

He’ll often tell the audience beforehand: You don’t have to stay the whole time. Many take him up on the offer and leave early.

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Woman who tried to pawn stolen £175000 violin snatched outside Brixton tube is cleared of handling and fraud

Two days later, Henry tried to sell it at Streatham Cash Converters, but the keen eyed manager realised it may have been stolen goods. Read more: http://ift.tt/2uL3U36 Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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How right-winger Dennis Prager politicized his own symphony gig — and declared himself the victim - Los Angeles Times

Several of the orchestra’s musicians began circulating an open letter in March declaring that they wouldn’t perform at the concert, asking fellow members to become “fully informed about [Prager’s] political opinions” and urging their friends “to not attend this concert, which helps normalize bigotry in our community.”

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This giant 100-year-old music box plays three violins at once and it's technically incredible - Classic FM

The Phonoliszt Violina Orchestrion plays four instruments at the same time – a piano and three self-playing violins

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Classical music gets personal in Switzerland

In Davos, a pianist recently performed in a glass enclosure which only one person could enter at a time to enjoy the music. Others could watch – but not hear – from outside. Perhaps the world’s smallest concert hall, this mini venue was a symbolic act against an ongoing trend where cities from London to Geneva to Hamburg are competing to build the newest and best concert hall.

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