New film to explore life of violin maker Antonio Stradivari

Asterisk Films and Foxy Films have announced the the UK cinema release of Janine Jansen: Falling for Stradivari, directed by Gerald Fox.

The film tells the story of legendary violin maker Antonio Stradivari, told through the eyes and bow of world renowned violinist Janine Jansen, as she embarks on a quest to record an album on 12 of his greatest ever violins.

The film delves into the histories of these instruments - each of which has its own distinctive character, but which Jansen had only days with before beginning the process of recording with Sir Antonio Pappano, music director of The Royal Opera House, accompanying on piano.

Steven Smith, managing director of violin dealer J&A Beare, wanted to capture the diversity of sounds that Stradivari violins still produce today, three centuries after they were first made.

Choosing the 12 violins was not an easy task: Smith was determined that wherever possible they needed to be among the greatest examples by the maker. Pulling all the instruments together for this film was even more of a challenge: Stradivari instruments of this calibre are owned by players, foundations, trusts and collectors spread across the globe and they are played by concert artists whose international schedules stretch years into the future. 

Director Gerald Fox said: 'One of the hardest challenges was making this film during Covid, firstly getting to Sweden to film there and then getting the artists and priceless violins to London for the recording sessions.

'And that became even harder when Janine herself succumbed to Covid after only a few days of filming but picked herself up after three weeks to make the album. It is really moving to watch Janine triumph over adversity, healing herself through the sheer all-consuming power of music.' 

Falling for Stradivari is produced in association with Sky Arts and will be broadcast on the channel on 23 September. Decca Classics will release the album ’12 Stradivari’ on 10 September with Janine Jansen and Sir Antonio Pappano.

For more information click here.