The Dresden Stradivarius

The true story of the Dresden cellist and violin maker Wilhelm Schlick. An exciting biographical novel about a musical maverick.

"I am gradually coming to realize that it is not the sound of a violin that determines its demand and price, but the spectacular name of the violin maker alone."

The magical sound of his mother's Stradivarius never left Wilhelm's ear. So that he could hold his own as a cellist in the Dresden court orchestra, he repairs his cello himself and takes a liking to instrument making. He soon realizes that he wanted to build violins that were on a par with those of Stradivari.
Dazed by his early successes, he immerses himself in work, turns the apartment into a workshop and incurs huge debts. Wife Charlotte and the four children have to subordinate themselves to their father's grandiose goal. But Wilhelm's visions, which he pursues fanatically, now jeopardize the family's existence. Charlotte threatens to leave him. Wilhelm receives a sensational offer and makes the biggest mistake of his life.