COLUMBUS—Ohio is the temporary home for the most famous violin in the world—during its third ever voyage to the United States.
- The rare “Il Cannone” violin will be on display at the Columbus Museum of Art
- The violin was once owned and played by celebrated musician Niccolo Paganini
- Columbus Symphony Concertmaster Joanna Frankel will give a one-time performance on the violin tonight at the Ohio Theatre
The “Il Cannone” violin was built in 1743 by Giuseppe Guarneri, one of the most famous violin makers of all time and then owned and played by Niccolo Paganini, one of the most celebrated musicians of all time.
This combination along with the condition of the rare instrument, has catapulted it to worldwide fame.
Now on display at the Columbus Museum of Art, Executive Deputy Director of Operations, Rod Bouc tells Spectrum News 1 there was a lot of prep before the violin's arrival.
"When we heard that the violin was coming over we immediately started constructing this display case to be completely isolated...making it micro-climate for the violin," said Bouc.
Bouc says they keep the case at a comfortable temperature between 68-71 degrees—ensuring stability and the right level of humidity so the wood doesn't crack.
Now several days into its stint in Columbus, the violin has seen many visitors eager to get a glimpse.
"Mostly it's awe and wonder... People come up to it and they should.... it’s a really great condition violin from that period and it's an Italian treasure,” said Bouc. “They don't let it out of the country very often, it's only been to united states twice before, so we're very lucky to have it here in Columbus."
The choice of Columbus as the host city comes from a bond with the violin’s home of Genoa, Italy that dates back to 1955 .
The two are part of a sister cities program where the mayors come together and do exchanges of cultural items.
"To be able to participate in this program...it's a very good idea i think...it's a way of maintaining contacts with cultures all over the world," said Bruce Carlson, “Il Cannone” violin conservator.
Carlson, has traveled with the violin from Italy.
He says this is truly an historic event as the violin rarely leaves Genoa.
“The Golden Age of violin making stopped in about 1750, so when Paganini got the instrument it was only about 60 years old and when he died, it was about 100 years old and the rest of its life it's spent under glass…and then in special occasions played by a fine musician.”
The fine musician playing the “Il Cannone tonight in Columbus is renowned violinist and Columbus symphony concertmaster, Joanna Frankel.
"She's another treasure that we have here in Columbus,” said Bouc. “it's really great to have someone of her expertise and quality here in town. So, it was never really too much of a question as to whether she was going to play the instrument or not...the Italians are very excited to have her play because of course they don't let just anyone play an instrument like this and she has the expertise to be able to do it."