Stradivari violin
Scientists have found an explanation for the unique sound of Antonio Stradivari's violins. In their opinion, the secret of musical instruments lies in their chemical origin, writes the Daily Mail.
The new study was conducted by scientists from Taiwan National University and Texas A&M University. It was also attended by Joseph Nagivari, who suggested 40 years ago that the sound of the Stradivari violins and another master of the Cremona school, Giuseppe Guarneri, is associated with chemistry.
Experts found that to protect instruments from parasites, the wood for the manufacture of violins was coated with a special chemical compound. The scientists explained that it included alum, borax, copper, lime water (or calcium hydroxide solution), and zinc.
“Perhaps the craftsmen realized that the salts they used gave the wood additional mechanical strength and acoustic benefits. They kept their methods secret, since there were no patents yet, “Nagiwari emphasized.
The scientist concluded that more research should be done to establish the specific effect of chemicals on the sound of musical instruments.
Previously, the musicians failed to distinguish Stradivari violins from modern instruments during the “blind test”. The musicians were also asked to determine the age of the instrument they played.
