tista Toralba,
General of Cavalry and Governor of Cremona, sent for Stradivari, and,
after complimenting him on his peculiar genius, ordered two Violins
and a Violoncello, which were afterwards sent as a present to the Duke
of Alba.

"In the year 1707, the Marquis Desiderio Cleri wrote to Stradivari, by
order of King Charles III. of Spain, from Barcelona, ordering for the
royal orchestra six Violins, two Tenors, and one Violoncello."

This extract refers to the Archduke Charles of Austria, afterwards
Emperor Charles VI. Charles III., aided by the British fleet, occupied
Barcelona in 1706. We have, therefore, the interesting facts that
Stradivari made a complete set of instruments which he intended to
present to Philip V., and that he was afterwards commissioned to make
another set for Philip's opponent, the Archduke.

Lorenzo Giustiniani, a Venetian nobleman, wrote to Stradivari the
following letter, which he received July 7, 1716:--

"Venice, Giustiniani Palace,
"Campiello dei Squellini.

"It is generally known that there is not at the present time in the
world a more skilled maker of musical instruments than yourself; and
as I wish to preserve a record of such an illustrious man and famous
artist, I trouble you with this letter, to ask whether you feel
disposed to make me a Violin, of the highest quality and finish that
you can bestow upon it."

The following extract from Arisi's manuscript brings us to the end of
the interesting information therein contained in reference to the
subject of this notice, and amply justifies the closing words of the
author, who says: "From what I have written it may be seen how great
is the excellence of Stradivari's art."

"In 1715, on the 10th of June, Giovanni Battista Voleme, director of
the private orchestra of the King of Poland, arrived in Cremona, by
special order of the King, to await the completion of twelve Violins,
which had been ordered of Stradivari, and he remained here three
months; and when all the instruments were ready, he took them with him
to Poland."

Arisi doubtless refers to the Belgian musician Jean Baptiste Volumier,
who was musical director to Augustus, Elector of Saxony and King of
Poland, famous as a patron of music and the arts. It was Augustus who
appointed Francesco Maria Veracini as his solo Violinist in 1720, and
on the title-page of the charming Sonatas of Veracini we read--

"Dedicata
a sua Altezza R