Born in Moson, Hungary, in 1873, Carl Flesch received his first violin lessons at age five from a saddler who played at the local church.

Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari died on this day in 1737 – 278 years ago. A protege of Nicolo Amati, it is estimated that Stradivari made approximately 1100 string instruments in his lifetime - with around 650 having survived today. But who now plays on which?