The curse of Stradivarius has long been a topic of fascination and speculation in the world of music. Antonio Stradivari, an Italian luthier from the 17th and 18th centuries, is widely regarded as one of the greatest violin makers of all time. His instruments, known as Stradivarius violins, are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. However, along with the fame and acclaim came tales of a curse associated with these extraordinary instruments. According to legend, Stradivari made a pact with the devil in order to acquire the knowledge and skill necessary to create such magnificent violins. As a result, every Stradivarius violin was said to be cursed, bringing misfortune and tragedy to its owners.
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As a result, every Stradivarius violin was said to be cursed, bringing misfortune and tragedy to its owners. The stories of accidents, illnesses, and even death surrounding these instruments have only added to their mystique and allure. One of the most famous accounts of the curse involves a violinist named Niccolò Paganini, who owned several Stradivarius violins.
Priscilla Presley’s Iconic Eye Makeup Inspires New Beauty Collab from A24 and Half Magic
The three-piece set promises to help fans achieve the perfect, Presley-inspired eyeliner look.
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Greg AbrahamIf you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
Priscilla Presley’s lush lashes and dramatic winged eyeliner have established her as a beauty icon, and with Sofia Coppola’s film about the actress releasing on Nov. 3, there will likely be a new generation envious of her iconic look.
That’s why A24 and Half Magic, the brand from “Euphoria’s” head makeup artist Donni Davy, have teamed up to create a limited-edition “Priscilla”-inspired makeup set. The three-piece set, available now on Ulta, includes Half Magic Beauty’s lengthening mascara, a liquid eyeliner and a silicone guide to help you achieve the perfect winged eyeliner look.
Greg AbrahamThe hero product of the set is Half Magic’s “Magic Flik,” the beauty brand’s ultra-bold calligraphy eyeliner pen, which features a uniquely-shaped paddle tip to hug the lash line for effortless one-flick wings. The pen’s curved edge allows for razor-thin lines, while its flat face offers bolder graphic works. The waterproof formula means the liner will not budge for 12 hours.
The so-called “Wing Magician” tool is also found in the set. The handheld wing guide has a unique diamond silhouette to hug the contours of every eye shape and size, making it easy for anyone to achieve a winged eyeliner look. Its longer edge can be used for more dramatic looks, while the shorter edge creates subtler looks for everyday use. The flexible silicone, meantime, hug the contours of your face while remaining super gentle on the skin (it’s dishwasher-safe too).
To complete Presley’s unforgettable eye makeup, the set includes the “Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara.” The brand says its precise tapered brush separates and coats each lash for 12-hour wear. The mascara is also ophthalmologist-tested, safe for contact lens wearers and can be removed easily with warm water — no tugging or rubbing necessary.
The limited-edition Half Magic “Priscilla” makeup set is available now for $49 on Ulta.com.
The hero product of the set is Half Magic’s “Magic Flik,” the beauty brand’s ultra-bold calligraphy eyeliner pen, which features a uniquely-shaped paddle tip to hug the lash line for effortless one-flick wings. The pen’s curved edge allows for razor-thin lines, while its flat face offers bolder graphic works. The waterproof formula means the liner will not budge for 12 hours.
Latest
Greg AbrahamIf you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
Priscilla Presley’s lush lashes and dramatic winged eyeliner have established her as a beauty icon, and with Sofia Coppola’s film about the actress releasing on Nov. 3, there will likely be a new generation envious of her iconic look.
That’s why A24 and Half Magic, the brand from “Euphoria’s” head makeup artist Donni Davy, have teamed up to create a limited-edition “Priscilla”-inspired makeup set. The three-piece set, available now on Ulta, includes Half Magic Beauty’s lengthening mascara, a liquid eyeliner and a silicone guide to help you achieve the perfect winged eyeliner look.
Greg AbrahamThe hero product of the set is Half Magic’s “Magic Flik,” the beauty brand’s ultra-bold calligraphy eyeliner pen, which features a uniquely-shaped paddle tip to hug the lash line for effortless one-flick wings. The pen’s curved edge allows for razor-thin lines, while its flat face offers bolder graphic works. The waterproof formula means the liner will not budge for 12 hours.
The so-called “Wing Magician” tool is also found in the set. The handheld wing guide has a unique diamond silhouette to hug the contours of every eye shape and size, making it easy for anyone to achieve a winged eyeliner look. Its longer edge can be used for more dramatic looks, while the shorter edge creates subtler looks for everyday use. The flexible silicone, meantime, hug the contours of your face while remaining super gentle on the skin (it’s dishwasher-safe too).
To complete Presley’s unforgettable eye makeup, the set includes the “Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara.” The brand says its precise tapered brush separates and coats each lash for 12-hour wear. The mascara is also ophthalmologist-tested, safe for contact lens wearers and can be removed easily with warm water — no tugging or rubbing necessary.
The limited-edition Half Magic “Priscilla” makeup set is available now for $49 on Ulta.com.
It is said that Paganini made a bargain with the devil, trading his soul in exchange for mastery of the violin. Throughout his career, he experienced numerous setbacks and personal tragedies. Some attributed these misfortunes to the curse of his beloved Stradivarius instruments. Another notable story is that of the Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius, which is said to have caused a series of tragedies for its owners. Its first owner, violinist Joseph Joachim, reportedly died shortly after acquiring the instrument. Subsequent owners also met untimely deaths or faced other calamities, leading to speculation that the violin was indeed cursed. Despite these tales, many violinists and collectors have dismissed the curse as mere superstition. They point out that the misfortunes associated with Stradivarius violins can be explained by the normal hazards of life rather than a supernatural curse. Moreover, the exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship of these instruments have made them highly sought after, regardless of any supposed curse. Nevertheless, the curse of Stradivarius continues to fascinate and captivate the imaginations of musicians and enthusiasts alike. The allure of owning an instrument with such a storied history and reputation, curse or not, remains irresistible to many. Ultimately, whether one believes in the curse or not, the legacy of Stradivarius violins as masterpieces of musical artistry and craftsmanship remains undisputed..
Reviews for "The Legend of Stradivarius: Tales of Power, Fame, and Jealousy"
1. Emma - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "The Curse of Stradivarius" as I'm a big fan of mystery novels. However, I was sorely disappointed. The plot was slow and predictable, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The supposed curse was barely explored, and the resolution at the end felt rushed and unconvincing. Overall, it was a lackluster read that failed to live up to its potential.
2. John - 1 star
"The Curse of Stradivarius" was a complete waste of time. The writing was amateurish, filled with clichés and inconsistencies. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions didn't make sense half of the time. The supposed curse was nothing more than a gimmick to attract readers, and it added no depth or intrigue to the story. I regret picking up this novel and would highly recommend avoiding it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Curse of Stradivarius," but it fell flat in many aspects. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the author spent too much time describing irrelevant details instead of advancing the plot. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fate. The curse aspect was interesting in theory, but it wasn't explored enough to create a truly engaging or suspenseful story. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Alex - 1 star
"The Curse of Stradivarius" was a disappointing read. The writing was mediocre at best, with clunky phrasing and repetitive descriptions. The characters were unlikable and unrealistic, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The curse aspect of the story felt forced and underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more substance. The plot lacked originality and failed to hold my interest. I regret wasting my time on this poorly executed novel.