Rue

Yes. Perfection is a goal, not a destination. But I have a friend who wants bang for her buck, if it's not going to be perfect, it's not worth her time. ...but I don't mind "not perfect". I want it to be human. Especially these days... FWIW, I really enjoy recitals, both professional (often more relaxed) and student (full of surprises!). I went to the opera in Prague (Carmen). It was really very good. Our friends were raving about it. But it was somehow just "off". The audience looked like they were there just to be there, because it's something one does. The performance seemed to have been performed once too often. The cast wasn't inspired. The audience wasn't engaged. Everyone was going through the steps. Contrast that to drama student productions; the audience is excited, the cast is excited, they feed off each others' energy. Mistakes are made, and laughed off...

I can't listen to the Messiah at Christmas anymore, no matter what quality .

I watched this the other day; ...and concluded both were "perfect" and I disliked them both... ...just sayin'

Yup. Lots of empty noise...

Nothing should be, or can be, "perfect". This obsession with achieving "perfection" is flawed thinking and dangerous. I also think it ruins performances and art that are beautiful as they are, because the audience is more concerned about criticizing than enjoying.

What is it she wants to understand? If it plays well, it's a good bow. If she wants an appraisal, she would need to take it to an appraiser. Can't really get one, on-line, with a couple of photos.

Maybe...

We don't want to become too pedantic... "Oh these shoes were made for walking..."

My point is people pay for provenance. A lot. Can the shoes be worn? Don't see why not, but I imagine they'd fall apart quickly. Same as hugely expensive violins. They are also falling apart. You're not paying for usability anymore.

An original pair of Judy Garland's ruby slippers sold for $28 million/$32.5 [with fees] in 2024. There were several pairs made. They were all store bought shoes that were "dressed up" by costume department. Point is, the value reflects the provenance, not the wearability, or even the quality. I read that they weren't very comfortable.

Given the kazillion violins manufactured over hundreds of years, some "cheap" ones statistically have to be truly great, playable instruments, price notwithstanding. Just gotta find 'em... like looking for that one special ball in a ball pit...

Some certainly do.

That would be hard to determine, wouldn't it? Maybe they practice on one at home, and perform on something with a bigger name? Maybe they obfuscate their violin's origin? But there are a lot of "bona fide soloists" (that aren't "big names") that aren't overly invested in name-dropping.

Halloween cuteness!