An Unusual Idea
Swedish artist Lars Widenfalk conceived the Blackbird, a full-size violin made from black diabase, inspired by Stradivarius designs. The idea came while he worked on large diabase blocks in Norway. In 1990, he obtained a high-quality black diabase block, originally part of his grandfather’s discarded tombstone, and transformed it into the world’s first playable stone violin.
A Remarkable Construction
The Blackbird was completed in 1992 after two years of meticulous craftsmanship. The soundbox, just 2.5 mm thick, was precision-cut and assembled with gold-gilded interiors. The ribs were shaped with water jets, and the bridge was crafted from mammoth ivory. The violin weighed 2 kg, requiring technical modifications to allow it to be played.
A Historic Debut
The instrument made its public debut at the 1992 Seville Expo, where composer Sven-David Sandström’s music was performed on it. That same year, Pope John Paul II blessed the violin in Rome. Since then, it has been played in cities worldwide, including Dubai, Milan, and Washington, proving that even stone can produce music.
In 1992, Swedish artist Lars Widenfalk unveiled the Blackbird, a violin made from black diabase. Inspired by Stradivarius, it was unlike any other. The idea came when he worked with diabase blocks in Norway, sparking his interest in crafting a musical instrument from stone.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/Wa1YaC0Gba
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