The lights dim, and a hush falls over the concert hall. The concertmaster rises, and as the orchestra tunes, the faint rustling of programs is heard in the background. Tonight's concert features one of the greatest living soloists performing with the orchestra, and the anticipation is palpable. The conductor appears and is duly acknowledged by the crowd; but he is not the one they are waiting to see. Finally, the soloist emerges, leaning on a pair of walking sticks, and takes his seat at center stage to thunderous applause. It is the distinguished violinist Itzhak Perlman, and the instrument in his hands is one of the finest string instruments ever made: the "Soil" Stradivar-ius, crafted in 1714 by the Italian master Antonio Stradivari. Even before the first notes have been played, members of the audience are transfixed by the sight of the violin, its brilliant red varnish and the stunning "flame" pattern of its back catching the eye as they reflect the bright stage lights. The conductor raises his baton, and as the first notes reverberate through the hall, they complete the image of the renowned virtuoso and his legendary instrument.
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