Stradivarius 1730 Cello "Feuermann"

I still remember vividly when my teacher Boris Pergamenschikow showed me the Video recording of the legendary Cellist Emanuel Feuermann playing Popper’s Spinning Song. At that time Feuermann started to come more and more to the attention of the Cellists' world - Feuermann hadn't enjoyed the same recognition as his colleagues of the same caliber because he's passed away at such young age. The combination of the virtuosity and the astonishing effortlessness in playing was completely new to me and caused a simple head shaking. After this first encounter with Feuermann it wasn't too long until my teacher revealed to me that the first Feuermann Grand Prix would take place soon. Having won this competition has made my connection to Feuermann much closer indeed but having the opportunity to play on his Stradivarius cello which he was actually using on this very recording of the Spinning Song by Popper was really like a dream come true!

The Feuermann Strad's tone colors and character are absolutely unique, recognizable, even on the radio. Another way to describe it is: even if two players with a very individual sound play on the Feuermann, you would still recognize that it is the Feuermann. Emanuel Feuermann himself wrote about his Cello in a letter dated July 1940: 'My cello is marvelous. I have had occasion to play other Stradivarius but none of them has this immediate tenor-like sound of mine.' Perhaps you will perceive the Feuermann Strad tonight just as Feuermann did himself.

(From NMF Concert program July 9, 2015)