Music and musical instruments have woven themselves into the fabric of our existence. One writer says: “Music is the emotion one can hear.”
Some instruments have transcended their musical purpose to become priceless pieces. From the resonant keys of the Steinways to the harmonious tones of the Stradivarius violas, these instruments have immortalized great moments, musicians, and their makers.
Explore the fascinating stories behind the world’s rarest and priciest musical instruments.
The 10 most expensive musical instruments in history
1. MacDonald Stradivarius viola
This instrument was valued at US$45 million at an auction in 2014. It is among the rarest violas crafted by the Italian master luthier Antonio Stradivari during his “Golden period” after 1700.
It is said that Stradivari made about 15 violas, and today, only 10 of them are intact. The MacDonald Stradivarius is the only Stradivarius viola up for sale today, but it is yet to be bought.
This instrument is named after one of its 19th-century owners, James McDonald — a renowned conductor and cellist. It was also played by Amadeus Quartet co-founder Peter Schidlof until 1987.
2. Duport Stradivarius cello
Another Stradivari-crafted instrument, the Duport Stradivarius cello, is named after one of its owners Jean-Louis Duport, a 19th-century cellist. It was also played by famous cellist Mstislav Rostropovich from 1974 to 2007.
This cello was also crafted during Stradivari’s “Golden Period” — an era renowned for the remarkable quality of his instruments.
Made in 1711, it is one of the 63 cellos Stradivari ever made, and it’s said to have a dent caused by Napoleon Bonaparte when Duport let him try it in 1812.
In 2008, the Nippon Music Foundation bought it for a cool US$20 million.
3. Vieuxtemps violin
Valued at US$16 million, the Vieuxtemps violin is among the “del Gesu” violins made by another great Italian luthier Giuseppe Guarneri. Alongside Stradivari, Giuseppe is among the best violin makers in history.
This violin is named after the Belgian composer and violinist Henri Vieuxtemps. Made in 1741, this instrument is still pristine and has been used by Yehudi Mehuzin, Pinchas Zukerman, and Itzhak Perlman.
After purchasing it in 2012, its anonymous buyer gave “lifetime use” to classical violinist Anne Akiko Meyers.
4. Lady Blunt Stradivarius violin
Named after its 19th-century owner, Lady Anne Blunt, this violin fetched about US$15.9 million at an auction in 2011. It was sold to raise money for charity following the 2011 Tohoku tsunami and earthquake.
This instrument was made in 1712 and is a collector’s item that’s rarely played. So it’s one of the best-preserved Stradivarius violins today.
5. Hammer Stradivarius violin
The Hammer Stradivarius was also made during Stradivari’s golden era in 1707. It is named after one of its recorded owners, Christian Hammer, and sold for US$3.5 million in 2006 after only five minutes of bidding.
Before the auction, the instrument had been owned by several American and European collectors before passing to a Japanese oil firm. For a time, the instrument was played by violinist Kyoko Takezawa as her primary performance violin.
6. Casablanca’s ‘As Time Goes By’ piano
This is the most expensive piano sold in history at US$3.4 million. It’s a simple wood upright with 58 keys, designed by Kohler & Campbell.
The piano is unique because it is central to the mood and theme of the 1942 movie Casablanca. It is the same piano played by Dooley Wilson — portraying Sam in the film.
7. John Lennon’s Steinway Z piano
This Steinway Z piano sold for US$2.4 million in 2000, even though it wasn’t in the best condition. It is said that it had cigarette burns, chipped parts, and strings that needed to be replaced.
Its value comes from John Lennon, who composed and recorded his unforgettable song Imagine (1971) using this piano. A private British collector owned it before selling it to another iconic singer, George Michael, for the mentioned price.
8. The Lady of Tennant Stradivarius violin
Stradivari crafted harps, violins, violas, and cellos. It is estimated that he made about 1,100 instruments from 1680 to the 1730s but only about 650 exist today. The Lady of Tennant Stradivarius was made in 1699 before he entered his famed “Golden Era.”
The violin was sold in 2005 for US$2.3 million. Before being sold at this auction, the instrument was still loaned to celebrated musicians to play in concerts because of its unique dulcet tones.
9. The Lausanne Cathedral pipe organ
The 7,000-pipe organ in Lausanne Cathedral is among the most expensive organs in the world.
Unlike the mentioned instruments that got value from their players or makers, organs are costly because of their size. They are large, with many parts, making them very expensive.
For instance, a small to medium cathedral organ can cost about US$200,000 to $800,000. More enormous cathedral organs may cost millions, and the organ at Lausanne Cathedral cost a whopping US$4.5 million.
It took about 10 years to construct. It’s also the first organ to feature the four main styles (Classical French, Symphonic French, Romantic French, and North German Baroque).
10. Louis XV’s special harp
This ornate harp from Lyon & Healy costs about US$190,000. Harps, like organs, are expensive because, besides their size, they are labor-intensive and complicated to make. It may take months to make a perfect harp.
Nicknamed the Rolls Royce of Harps, this harp draws inspiration from the rococo style of French King Louis XV’s era. Not only is it magnificent, but it also produces a crystal-clear sound.
And the rest
Other expensive and more modern musical instruments include Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar (US$6 million) and Ringo Starr’s Ludwig drum kit (US$2.1 million).
Takeaway
These instruments embody the harmonious blend between history, artistry, and music. Beyond their high price tag, they carry the melodies from the past and the virtuosity of the musicians who once held them. They continue to inspire future generations.
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