“Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1714 was expected to fetch the handsome price of $12 to $18 million at a Southby’s auction on Friday night.  The violin fell below expectations with a selling price of $11.3 million.

Had the Stradivarius sold for the expected price, it could have become the most expensive instrument ever sold; topping the $15.9 million paid for another Stradivarius over 10 years ago.

The “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” was constructed in what is termed Stradivari’s “Golden Period”.  The violin is also believed to be the inspiration for Jonannes Brahms when he wrote his “Violin Concerto in D Major”.  Reportedly what became known as the “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” was played for the 1879 premiere of that Concerto.

Southeby’s chair Mari-Claudia Jimenez spoke on the violin saying, “this extraordinary violin represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, its unparalleled sound and storied provenance captivating collectors and musicians alike.  The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius garnered global attention, achieving one of the highest prices ever for a musical instrument — an acknowledgment of its rarity and historical importance.”

Bidding opened at $8 million and rose to $10 million when auctioneer Phyllis Kao banged the gavel.  The $11.3 million includes the auction house fees.

The name of the 1714 Stradivarius gets its name “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” from its two previous owners Joseph Joachim of Hungary and Si-Hon Ma of China.  The Ma estate gifted the violin to the New England Conservatory in Boston after his death.  The Conservatory is using the auction money for student scholarships.  President of the New England Conservatory Andrea Kalyn spoke on the sale saying, “the sale is transformational for future students, and proceeds will establish the largest named endowed scholarship at New England Conservatory.  It has been an honor to have the Joachim-Ma Stradivari on campus, and we are eager to watch its legacy continue on the world stage.”