Parker Quartet uses Stradivari treasures to splendid effect at Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is more than a little proud of its historical musical instruments, particularly the violins, violas and cellos made by Antonio Stradivari at the turn of the 18th century. It's a rare treat to hear them played, and rarer still to hear five of them together -- which may account for the crowds that jammed Coolidge Auditorium on Wednesday night for the "Antonio Stradivari Anniversary Concert," when the Parker Quartet (with guest violist Kikuei Ikeda) presented a program that ...