A Happy Ending!

Here's something interesting, with a happy ending!

A famous Stradivarius violin was stolen last week in Milwaukee, according to the District Attorney's office. Said to belong to violinist Frank Arnold, it was over 300 year's old, known as the Lipinski Stradivarius, on indefinite loan to Arnold. Made in 1710, authenticated by unique striations on its back, it is said to be worth multi-millions of dollars!

The violin was taken when three thieves used a stun gun on the musician after a concert, but the thieves were arrested this week! Initially, police would not say if the instrument had been recovered, with an anonymous donor offering $100,000 reward leading to its safe return.

The Lipinski is one of about 600 violins, violas and cellos still in existence, made by Italian artisan Antonio Stradivari! Fortunately, it was found, in good working order, and the three apprehended! Yay!

By the way, Stradivari was born in 1644. He set up shop in Cremona, Italy, where he made violins, harps, guitars, violas and cellos. Before his death in 1737, Stradivari is thought to have made more than 1,100 instruments -- of which some 650 remain today.

He is the world's most celebrated violin maker.

Meanwhile, it may be interesting to note that Arnold, with his love of this most valuable violin, recorded an interesting album, entitled "A Violin's Life", with pieces that highlight the instrument's particular tone.