'I played three notes and I thought I was going to die' - how Itzhak Perlman found his Stradivarius

Itzhak Perlman tells us how he acquired his famous Stradivarius.

If there’s anyone who personifies the resilience, the vision and the contribution of the Jewish people, it’s Itzhak Perlman, whose transcendent violin playing evokes the depth of the human experience.

And the moving new documentary Itzhak, which premiered as part of the American Masters series in October on THIRTEEN, sheds fresh light on Perlman’s personal struggles as a polio survivor and Jewish émigré, reminding us why art is so vital to life. Don’t miss the master in person when he joins acclaimed actor and writer Alan Alda for a conversation on his life and work, touching on the fascinating similarities and differences between performing music and acting.

[feathercheng]

So he actually OWNS his violin?!! Epic!!!

[ariankonci]

The greatest violinist Itzhak Perlman, who has such an exquisite humor and style is so unique in its own… thank you so much sir for sharing and giving us such emotions during your beautiful carrier..

[glovere]

I think that might be the best story I have ever heard. “I bought a violin on credit.” There is so much meaning in that it makes me proud to be in the same species. Both of these men are treasures, each in his own wonderful way.

[alexsaldarriaga]

Perlman can make a cigar box sound like a Stradivarius. He certainly deserves a great instrument, but the rest of us can obtain an equally wonderful instrument from the many great violin makers living today without paying a fortune.

[ofermashiach]

Itzhak Perlman is 100% certified legend! If he didn't exist, he should have been invented.

[dasteufelhund]

The instrument to a trained musician, is a soul mate. No price is too high.

[barbaraweselakfranch]

The BEST Violonist in the World ITZHAK PERLMAN is wonderful!🎻🌹❣️

[humbertoflores]

My daughter is taking classes to play the violin, and she admires this maestro of the violin.

[barbaraweselakfranch]

I love Maestro ITZHAK PERLMAN, Hy is my favorite violinist and favorite personne, for me Hy is amazing, the BEST!👍❤️🎻🌹

[DavidSmith-sscg]

I've been fortunate to have heard Itzhak play his Stradivarius, and it was worth working for 30 years to pay it off. All my experience as a guitar player/collector meant NOTHING - I didn't know what to listen for; but the girl who took me was excited, and bubbled, "and he's got his Stradivarius!" I knew that those were famous violins, so I said, "Uh, good." It DID have an especially "tasty" tone(impossible to describe; I thought it was louder, or(more poetically) that the violin "emitted" more sound(like as if more sound wanted to come from it).

[peterparker]

His accent makes it sound like it's Arnold Schwarzenegger in a different universe where he learnt violin instead of going to the gym.

[barbaraweselakfranch]

I love very much Maestro ITZHAK PERLMAN my favorite violinist 🎻❤️🌺

[mariadelcarmenperez]

Amazing story! Many people can relate especially these days. 😊🥰🤗❤🌹😇 Your admiring fans

[ManorHouseMusic]

Wonderful story - wow, he was patient! Btw, does anyone know which violin he played on before then? There are too many great Perlman recordings ro list but his 1972 one of the Carmen Fantasy sounds so vibrant and rich. He makes the violin talk but the violin has the variety and depth to allow it. I'm wondering which one it is. . .🤔

[johnforeman]

I remember reading a list, somewhere, of the known Strads and their present locations and owners. I couldn’t believe how many of them had “stolen, location unknown” after their description.

[bretthermance]

Payed-off in 30 years. The rising value well outweighed the escalation in value. It is in very good and well deserved hands! He is scheduled to play at MPAC Morristown NJ May 3 2025.

[barbaraweselakfranch]

Very interesting video! I love Video's from Itzhak Perlman 🌹🎻

[briengilroy]

This Strad has a pedigree. Always handled and played by the best of the best! That makes a big difference!

[barbaraweselakfranch]

I like interwew with Maestro Itzhak Perman.Is together very interestyng 🎻❤️ M'y favorite violiniste, 🌷

[TennisfanEva]

He is very witty.... 'paid it off last year' lol