Star violinist David Garrett gave himself a special present for his birthday on Sunday: He bought a rare violin from the Italian violin maker Guarneri del Gesù, as the musician told the “Bild” newspaper: “I’ve fulfilled a lifelong dream with it.” He bought the instrument from 1736 at a Paris auction house for 3.5 million euros. “For the sum, I will have to part with one of my properties and sell an apartment in New York. But this violin is worth it to me!”
A violin made by the instrument maker is unique in terms of sound quality – “a real myth”. Around the world there are only about 150 to 200 copies. A violin by del Gesù is sometimes sold for up to 14 million euros. The 42-year-old Garrett took part in the auction from a Frankfurt hotel. The reception was so bad that he went into the courtyard. “I’ve never felt so glamorous next to garbage cans and leftover food.” Born in Aachen, Germany, Garrett began playing the violin at the age of four.
