Tribune reporter Mark Caro’s “The travels and trials of a 1694 Guarneri cello” (Arts & Entertainment, Feb. 1) described many fascinating, informative aspects associated with playing and owning fine, centuries-old stringed instruments such as the cello of Chicago Symphony Orchestra principal cellist John Sharp, whom the article highlighted.
As a lifelong chamber-music cellist who has played in dozens of countries, I have been honored, and fortunate, to have had access to many great, usually very old, stringed instruments, especially cellos. Their spectacular characteristics vary greatly from one instrument to another. One can spend a lifetime simply being in awe of what we have yet to learn about the mysteries inherent in those great instruments.
In this age of myriad security breaches, identity theft and dangerous behavior regarding objects of value, the world of fine instruments needs immediate attention. It has become commonplace, for example, as in the article about the Guarnerius, to identify such valued, irreplaceable works of art and describe their owners or users, thereby putting them at risk. It has become customary in concert program notes to identify the specific instrument (and sometimes the bow) that the soloist is using. At a time when people are encouraged to protect personal matters such as Social Security and credit card numbers, phones, etc., why would anyone advertise an irreplaceable instrument such as a Guarneri cello, not to mention its irreplaceable owner/player?
— Leon J. Hoffman, Chicago
