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The "Burmester" is a bold late period violin with a fi ne one-piece maple back, although the figure does not quite have the majestic flawless quality of the Golden Period works. It is a player’s instrument, and has been used well in its long life. The varnish is consequently quite worn, and the rich, dark red is confined mostly to the edges of the back.
As the 1720's progressed, Stradivari’s violins increased in solidity and developed a darker tone, which is very sought after by concert violinists. On this violin the structure is typical of the period, with strong, broad edges, a very full outward curve to the arch, and more open soundholes than are seen on instruments made a few years before. On the Burmester, the left hand “F” leans across the face of the instruments slightly. Variation in the position and cut of the soundholes is noticeable throughout Stradivari’s career, and precise symmetry never seemed to be an important aim in the design and construction of his violins. Nevertheless, these variations inevitably become greater and more noticeable in later life; Antonio was already in his eighties when this violin was made, and even his eldest son Francesco was in his mid fifties.
The violin was first recorded by the London dealer George Hart in the nineteenth century, but it was used by Joseph Joachim and Jeno Hubay, the Hungarian composer and violinist and was part of the collection of Dr George Talbot of Aachen before it reached the player after whom it is now named, Willy Burmester.
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