Stradivari’s Masterpieces
A Living Legacy in the Hands of Goldmund Quartet
The "Paganini Quartet"
The Goldmund Quartet has been performing on the legendary “Paganini Quartet” — a matched set of four Stradivarius instruments that once belonged to Niccolò Paganini, the iconic 19th-century virtuoso violinist and composer. This quartet is one of the only existing complete sets of Stradivarius instruments intended to be played together.
The Instruments
- Violin I – Stradivarius “Comte Cozio di Salabue” (1727)
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- Known for its powerful projection and refined tone.
- Named after Count Cozio di Salabue, a notable violin collector.
- Played by Florian Schötz from Goldmund Quartet
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- Violin II – Stradivarius “Desaint” (1680)
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- One of the earliest examples in the set, with a sweet, mellow tone.
- Named after a previous owner, Mr. Desaint.
- Played by Pinchas Adt from Goldmund Quartet
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- Viola – Stradivarius “Mendelssohn” (1731)
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- One of the few known violas by Stradivari; they are exceptionally rare (around 10–12 exist today).
- Has a deep, resonant, and balanced tone.
- Played by Christoph Vandory from Goldmund Quartet
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- Cello – Stradivarius “Ladenburg” (1736)
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- The latest-built in the quartet, with a rich and velvety sound.
- Named after Baron Johann Christian von Ladenburg.
- Played by Raphael Paratore from Goldmund Quartet
Built between 1680 and 1736, these instruments are between 289 and 345 years old.
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Value and Rarity
Estimated combined market value between $30-50 million, though they are essentially priceless due to their provenance and rarity. The viola alone could be worth $15–20 million due to the extreme rarity of Stradivari violas.
Only about 650 Stradivarius instruments survive today. Complete matched quartets like the Paganini Quartet are extraordinarily rare — only two or three are known to exist. The other sets are stationary in museums or castles, so Goldmund quartet’s set is the only one that is allowed to be played in concerts throughout the world.
From Paganini’s Hands to the World’s Stage
The Goldmund Quartet has had the privilege of playing these instruments since 2019.
They received the instruments on long-term loan from the Nippon Music Foundation, a Japanese organization that owns one of the world’s most prestigious collections of string instruments.
Immortal instruments
- Matching set: These instruments were handpicked to be played together, offering an unmatched sonic cohesion.
- Historic legacy: Paganini’s ownership ties them directly to one of classical music’s most mythologized figures.
- Craftsmanship: Stradivari’s instruments are considered the pinnacle of luthiery, still unmatched today.
- Sound quality: They offer extraordinary richness, power, projection, and subtlety—especially in ensemble playing.