Violin op.68,
after Antonio Stradivari's "Messiah" 1716

This violin is inspired by A. Stradivari's "Messiah" from 1716 — an instrument so perfectly preserved that it is often called the only Stradivari in near-"new" condition. It got its name from a witty remark by violinist Delphin Alard, who said it was like the Messiah — always awaited, but never appearing, since its owner kept it hidden from almost everyone for decades. The original has a body length of 356 mm and is now held at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

The instrument is finished with an oil varnish with patina, giving it the impression of an older instrument. Abdullah Jamal from Kuwait plays the violin.