World's most expensive violin

In one of the oldest buildings in Moscow, a gathering of Russia's arts and political elite.

For this recital it's not a case of what's being played or who is playing it, but the value of the instrument producing the sound.

Carefully kept beneath this red cloth is the world's most expensive violin, worth $3.9 million U.S. dollars.

The instrument was recently bought at auction by Russian businessman Maxim Viktorov.

He owns an extensive collection of the instruments, and says they're more than just show items.

SOUNDBITE: Maxim Viktorov, Russian businessman and owner of the Giuseppe Guarneri violin saying (Russian):

"I have a certain number of instruments which I often give to violinists even for permanent use. I usually give them to talented musicians who need a good instrument to perform."

The violin was made in 1741 by master violin maker Giuseppe Guarneri.

For its first public performance in more than 70 years, the instrument was entrusted to Pinchas Zukerman.

SOUNDBITE: Israeli violinist and conductor Pinchas Zukerman saying (English):

"Maxim has a vision. He has a vision to bring back the standard and the quality that Russia had many years ago. (This is his way of expressing his gratitude to being Russian, to bringing back to young people, to show the young people what standard is, what good instruments are and I congratulate him for that.)"

This performance was viewed by the violin's owner as a test.

There are now likely to be more performances, to larger audiences.

Andrew Potter, Reuters

gath·er·ing n.

1.a. The action of one that gathers.

b. That which is gathered or amassed; a collection or accumulation.

2. An assembly of persons; a meeting.

3. The collecting of food that grows wild, such as berries, roots, and grains.

be·neath adv.

1. In a lower place; below.

2. Underneath.

prep.

1.a. Lower than; below: a drawer beneath a cabinet.

b. To or into a lower position than: moved the picture beneath the light.

2. Covered or concealed by: The earth lay beneath a blanket of snow.

3. Under the force, control, or influence of.

4.a. Lower than, as in rank or station.
b. Unworthy of; unbefitting: It was beneath me to beg.

en·trust tr.v. en·trust·ed, en·trust·ing, en·trusts

1. To give over (something) to another for care, protection, or performance: "He still has the aura of the priest to whom you would entrust your darkest secrets" James Carroll.

2. To give as a trust to (someone): entrusted his aides with the task. See Synonyms at commit.