In the novel, the word “Stradivarius” carries weight and resonance throughout the musical industry. Ray often uses the word “Strad” to describe it, knowing that the term is so widespread that other musicians and those associated with music will immediately recognize its importance.

“Stradivarius” generally refers to historic violins made by the 17th-century craftsman Antonio Stradivari. However, Stradivari made other instruments as well, including violas, cellos, harps, and guitars. During his lifetime, he created an estimated 1,200 instruments; approximately 650 of them survive today, the majority of which are violins. The height of his craftsmanship career, between 1700 and 1725, is considered the “golden age” of Stradivarius instruments. These instruments are considered to be the best in the world, and experts have invested significant amounts of time and money into testing these violins and trying to determine what makes them superior. Theories have included special properties of the varnish used or chemical coatings meant to inhibit deterioration. One popular theory states that, because of the colder global climate during Stradivari’s time, certain trees were growing more slowly and formed denser wood, which contributes to the instruments’ rich sound.

It’s also been proposed that the magic of the Stradivarius is entirely psychological.