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Iskandar Widjaja: Shouldering a Stradivari on the World Stage
Considered the Maseratis of music, Stradivari instruments are coveted by string musicians for their allegedly superlative acoustics and almost intuitive handling
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Considered the Maseratis of music, Stradivari instruments are coveted by string musicians for their allegedly superlative acoustics and almost intuitive handling.
Given their steady appreciation ' at an average rate of 11 percent per annum, according to The Strad, investors, too, have scrambled to cash in on these multimillion-dollar works of art.
For Berlin-born violinist Iskandar Widjaja, better known as Issi, the opportunity to play his debut with the Munich Philharmonic on a violin whittled by world-respected 16th-century luthier Antonio Stradivari is his every prayer answered ' making him the first Indonesian to shoulder a Stradivari.
'It's like holding a piece of history in my hands,' he says. 'The sound is like butter and honey; it sings, it sparkles and the sun rises as soon as I play a note.'
The Italian craftsman's name became such a benchmark for string instruments and attempts to replicate them so commonplace that rather than knock-offs being relegated to the black market, a 'fake' Stradivari label is perceived as a credit to the master.
Always a bone of contention in the arts, authenticity is gauged by comparing the instrument with the meticulously documented design and wood characteristics (such as density and ring count) of every Stradivari ever made.
'The original handwriting of the master himself is clearly visible,' says Issi ' the proverbial Latin inscription: 'Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno [date]'.
Issi's is a 1734 model, one of the luthier's last labors before he died in 1737 at the age of 93.
The work of art is valued at an eye-watering US$9 million, jumping from a 2004 asking price of $4 million (the 1719 'Macdonald' Stradivari viola, meanwhile, is being auctioned by Sotheby's for $45 million).
It is being loaned to Issi by Florian Leonhard Fine Violins London ' but he hopes to eventually play one permanently.
'An investor will receive high honors by investing in the arts and world heritage, by helping a young musician to fully blossom and by contributing to such a fine craft as classical music-making,' he says.
'Stradivari violins rise in value tremendously, and this particular instrument has increased just over 7 percent per year.'
Issi is now studying under Maestro Christoph Eschenbach for his career-electrifying debut on June 25-28 with the Munich Philharmonic, presenting a Mozart violin concerto.
'Maestro [Eschenbach] indeed is an enigma. His aura just makes you elevate, his presence makes you a better performer just because he is what he is,' the 28-year-old says of collaborating with his 'musical godfather'.
'I have heard my most memorable performance of Schubert's 'Schöne Müllerin' or 'Winterreise' with Maestro on the piano. In one word: magical.'
Born and raised in Berlin, where he is a fast-rising classical soloist, in Indonesia Issi is a pop culture fixture famed for his film star looks, dark, curly hair and the enigma of wielding a bow rather than a microphone.
'I love my show biz life in Indonesia,' says Issi, who patiently smiles and charms his way through classical music-outsider questions on morning talk shows ' not to mention fielding marriage proposals from female fans on Twitter.
'Currently, we try to give my image in Europe a somewhat more 'twisted' touch, away from too much seriousness ' more to the fun part.'
Patriotic pride flared when he worked his bow before political world leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2013 Summit in Bali, rendering nationalistic hymns 'Indonesia Pusaka' (Indonesian Heritage) and 'Tanah Air Beta' (My Homeland).
'I was honored to be chosen in the sense that music can create a feeling of unity and community and actually have an impact on politics and economy, since classical music builds on principles of morality.'
Another tribute to his homeland was the single 'Burn', created especially for the Indonesian market and released in conjunction with his sophomore album, Precious Refuge ' Works by J.S. Bach.
The music video was filmed at the summit of Mount Bromo, featuring actress Raline Shah as his broken-hearted love interest. 'It's about life's intensity ' wild, raw, direct ' and has a sense of insanity to it,' explains Issi.
The musician's star shone brighter than ever this 2013/2014 season, with a debut under Zubin Mehta with the Orchestra Maggio Musicale Firenze at the Tonhalle in Zurich and a debut with the Hong Kong Sinfoniette at the Hong Kong City Hall.
He also seized the privilege to perform a duet with his longtime idol, Japanese-American virtuoso violinist Midori Goto, famous for her Tanglewood performance at 15, where she broke two E strings and swapped violins twice without missing a beat.
'To work with Midori was really cool, she is intense and works, like, all day and night ' career, teaching, foundations, etc,' says Issi. 'At some point, I would like to take her over to Bali to relax. Balance makes it all!'
Photos courtesy of Iskandar Widjaja
