Stradivarius "Paganini Quartet"

“The radiance of Stradivarius”: An Interview with Rainer Schmidt and Lukas Hagen (Vienna)

It has been exactly three years since Rainer Schmidt and Lukas Hagen began playing on the “Paganini Quartet” Violins. Both praise the instruments enthusiastically, saying “We have played on many different instruments until now, but these instruments are especially incredible, with the richest and most beautiful sound!”.

With masterpieces like these, it often takes some time for the player to adapt to the instrument. Schmidt was advised by 2nd violinist of the Tokyo String Quartet that it would take at least two years. “At first, I didn’t think it would take so long,” Schmidt said, “but once I started playing on it I became acutely aware what he was talking about. Still, I had fallen in love with this instrument, so the struggle was all worth it.” He happily speaks as if completely taken by a new lover.

Some of the members were playing on modern instruments previously. Lukas Hagen said, “some of us had to change our playing styles quite drastically”. The biggest change is bowing. He adds, “in order to bring out the beauty of the instrument’s own sound to its maximum potential, we reduce the bow pressure and try to let the instrument’s sound resonate naturally”. Apparently adjusting the bow pressure is the most difficult. Despite these challenges, all members wished to play with the “Paganini Quartet” because they were certain that “these instruments would allow the Hagen Quartet to strive for new heights as an ensemble”.

“In 2013, we performed on these instruments which were loaned to us (by the Nippon Music Foundation) for the first time in public at the Beethoven cycle concert in Saltzburg. There is a section in Op.132 where the four voices overlap and become a chorale; the harmony blended together so beautifully I almost cried. We had played this piece so many times, but there was something so exquisite about this time; it gave me goosebumps.” (Schmidt)

As for the mystery of what makes Stradivarius instruments so special, Smidt says: “Not all instruments made by Stradivari are masterpieces, but the ones that are, are exceptional among all instruments. The range of possibilities in the resonance of the tone is mind-blowing, and we are always making new discoveries.”

It is difficult to explain in one word, but what seems certain is that these instruments bring immense joy to performers.

(Excerpt from the “Sarasate” String Magazine Interview, October 2016)