From The family archive in Fermoy, Co Cork, some years ago, came a violin with the Stradivarius imprint. It was, I thought, a defining moment in my quest for riches. Sadly, it took an expert no more than a couple of minutes to disabuse me of that notion. I had in my possession something of no value, although, he said, it was a fine instrument.
Now comes news that the world-renowned cellist, Carlos Prieto, is to play in Cork this week and that he will also perform some days later at the National Concert Hall, Dublin. He will be playing a Stradivarius cello but one with an Irish connection.
His repertoire will include works by Beethoven, Shostakovich and others, including the Mexican composer, Mario Lavista and Argentinian, Alberto Ginastera. But what about the cello? The great Mexican cellist has had more luck than I had from the grandmother's attic. He is the owner of a genuine Stradivarius. He knows that during the period 1831-1853, it belonged to an Irish cellist whose surname was Pigot.
The limited knowledge concerning the rare instrument suggests that it was bought by Mr Alan Dowell, the son of Ms Catherine Plunkett, in 1818 and then sold on to the Rev Booth from Co Carlow in 1821. He, in turn, sold it to Mr Pigot who retained it until his death in 1853.
After this, it turned up in London. When the great man comes to Cork, I hope to meet him to discuss how the Irish-owned Stradivarius finally came into his ownership.