Violoncello 1698

Particular to this instrument is the choice of wood: both the back and the ribs are made of poplar. In all probability, this indicates Stradivari searching for new ways in the crafting of instruments: undoubtedly a reason for his success. This exceptional cello belonged for over a century to the Breton military family De Kermadec. In 1850 it came into the possession of the Parcevaux family, also from the Bretagne.

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Around 1900 the Parisian Solo cellist Francis Touche acquired the instrument. Then from 1909 until 1949 it belonged to an English amateur musician Robert Templer who bequeathed it to Hélène Richardson. In 1957 the cello was acquired by Arnold Sprenger who had taken over his father’s violin making workshop, in second generation, and who became a close advisor of Rolf Habisreutinger. The purchase of this cello for his foundation in 1958 initiated Habisreutinger’s collecting activities. De Kermadec-Bläss was his own personal instrument that he also played in concert. 

The instrument is currently played by Yuya Okamoto.

Stradivari Stiftung Habisreutinger-Huggler-Coray  - 2025