Allan, this is extremely cool! (pun intended)
It certainly seems to make sense that grain density and seasonal variations in growth would affect the wood. I have also seen sources claiming that the finish applied to those violins was the secret to their awesome sound.
That mini ice age mentioned in the article had a profound effect on history - crops failed, disease spread, etc.
The fact that something as small as a violin can make such an incredible tone has always fascinated me. The resonant tone of a well-made violin is amazing. There are also tiny insects (crickets, cicadas) that can create huge, piercing sounds by rubbing their legs and wings.
Thanks for the link to a very interesting article. James
"That darn Pythagorean Comma thing keeps messing me up!"
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_comma[/url]