December 2019
Alberto Giordano and Rudolf Hopfner tell the fascinating story of the 1677 ‘Romanov’ Amati viola: once part of Russia’s Imperial Collection, the instrument displays features of both Nicolò and his son Girolamo II. We also take a look at the Royal Danish Orchestra’s fine instrument collection, and explore casting professional musicians in film and TV roles.
November 2019
Sarah Chang discusses her passion projects and we explore the lives of Chicago’s early bow makers. Joseph Curtin examines bridges, there’s a look at Brazil’s classical music and Alisa Weilerstein reveals her Sentimental Work. Plus David Kim on sautillé.
The Strad / Digital Amati T-Shirt
Where Science meets Music…
The Best of Technique
Discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers in The Best of Technique. Bringing together
Rostropovich: A Celebration
Discover the man behind the legend, from interviews with the renowned cellist and the people who knew him.
Violin Heroes
Nine of today’s top violinists, including Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Maxim Vengerov and Nikolaj Znaider, talk about the
October 2019
Raphael Wallfisch marks the centenary of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the story of the work’s composition, premiere and subsequent interpretations. Plus we speak to the Kuss Quartet about performing Beethoven on the ‘Paganini’ set of Stradivaris, and investigate how instrument set-up can affect sound.
Violin Virtuosos: From Paganini to the 21st Century by Henry Roth
Renowned critic Henry Roth brings his formidable knowledge and enthusiasm to bear on some of the greatest violinists in history.
The Strad Masterclass: Solo Violin
James Ehnes, Hilary Hahn, Leonidas Kavakos, Maxim Vengerov, Nikolaj Znaider: some of the violin world’s top names have given their
The Strad Masterclass: Solo Cello
Alban Gerhardt, Bonnie Hampton, Gary Hoffman, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Jan Vogler: some of the cello world’s top names have given their
September 2019
We talk to the members of the Belcea Quartet and ask why more young people are turning to period performance. Students of Kató Havas pay tribute to the late violin teacher, and there’s a look at asymmetric instruments. Plus a Mendelssohn Masterclass and Renaud Capuçon’s Life Lessons.
The Strad Calendar 2020: The Chimei Collection
NOW AVAILABLE
August 2019
Double bassist Leon Bosch discusses his career, and we investigate the bass makers of Manchester. There’s an interview with early music pioneer Eduard Melkus and cellist Johannes Moser gives a Mendelssohn Masterclass. Plus Leonidas Kavakos’s teaching tips
July 2019
Antoine Tamestit discusses his new recordings and we examine his viola, the 1672 ‘Gustav Mahler’ Stradivari. There’s a look at string teaching in Uganda and we have interviews with Sol Gabetta, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Gary Hoffman, Natalie Clein – and many more!
June 2019
We conclude our investigation of Stradivari’s moulds and examine some radical teaching methods. Vadim Gluzman, Philip Dukes and Matthew Barley are interviewed and there’s our annual Accessories supplement, featuring carbon fibre bows, wolf eliminators, mutes and lots more.
May 2019
The Shanghai Quartet celebrates its 35th anniversary and we hand on some yoga tips for string players. There’s an in-depth look at Stradivari’s working methods and Shostakovich’s violin works. Plus Maxim Rysanov’s Life Lessons and Rivka Golani’s Sentimental Work
April 2019
Augustin Hadelich discusses his new CD and we explore the career of luthier Jacob Stainer. Jan Vogler gives a Schumann Masterclass and there’s a detailed examination of a Persoit bow. Plus Antje Weithaas on the Tchaikovsky Concerto.
March 2019
We chat to rising British star Sheku Kanneh-Mason and look into the work of Turin luthier Pressenda. Gidon Kremer discusses Polish music and Lynn Harrell gives us his Life Lessons. Plus fingerboards, singing bassists and much more
February 2019
In a French special we talk to cellist Bruno Philippe and investigate Eugène Sartory’s infamous court case. Philippe Graffin tracks down a lost version of an Ysaÿe sonata and Nicolas Gilles reveals his oil varnish recipe. Plus Gautier Capuçon, François Rabbath, and Daniel Hope on Franck
January 2019
Isabelle Faust discusses Mozart and we explore how string teaching is adapting to new technology. There’s a cello masterclass with Lynn Harrell, a look at jazz improvisation with bassist Lloyd Swanton, and Anne-Sophie Mutter’s Life Lessons. Plus our String Courses 2019 supplement
December 2018
Vilde Frang talks about collaboration and we examine a case made in Stradivari’s workshop. Mischa Maisky discusses his half-century of performing, and there’s a look at folk songs with the Danish Quartet. Plus violist Bruno Giuranna’s Sentimental Work
The Strad Directory 2019
Newly published, the current edition of The Strad Directory is as indispensable as ever. It provides you with everything you
November 2018
We examine the legacy of string teacher Paul Rolland and ask whether female luthiers face discrimination in this day and age. James Ehnes gives us his Sentimental Work, and Viktoria Mullova tells of her Life Lessons. Plus a Masterclass with Carolin Widmann.
October 2018
Hilary Hahn talks about Bach and we discover how Brescian instruments developed. Edicson Ruiz gives a double bass Masterclass and we learn the secrets of orchestral auditions. Plus Rachel Podger’s Sentimental Work
The Strad Calendar 2019: Antonio Stradivari Instruments
‘For the 2020 Strad Calendar please click here‘
September 2018
Maxim Vengerov talks about his lifelong learning curve and we learn the teaching methods of Heifetz, Gingold and Galamian. There’s a look at conservatoire auditions and Guy Johnston discusses Mendelssohn in Masterclass. Plus Sartory, Guadagnini and Aldo Parisot in this 144-page bumper issue
The Violin Makers of the Guarneri Family, 1626-1762 (Dover Books on Music)
ISBN-10: 0486260615
ISBN-13: 978-0486260617
The Amadeus Book of the Violin: Construction, History, and Music
This encyclopedia of the violin covers the mechanics of its construction through its history and evolution to its literature and performing traditions, with details and anecdotes. From the great violin makers of Cremona to the influence of key composers and virtuosos on the violin's development, every facet of the subject is exposed.
ISBN-10: 1574670387
ISBN-13: 978-1574670387
Stradivari’s Genius: Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection
ISBN-10: 0375760857
ISBN-13: 978-0375760853
August 2018
We talk to the Doric Quartet about bows and recordings, and get tips on making arrangements of non-classical works. Anne-Sophie Mutter tells us her Sentimental Work there’s a Beethoven Masterclass and we look back on Henryk Szeryng’s playing career. Plus, the fall and rise of violin making in Hungary.
July 2018
We look at Leonard Bernstein’s contributions to string music and investigate the development of the French bow button. Joshua Bell gives a Masterclass on Bruch and Jennifer Koh gives her Sentimental Work.
Plus a FREE guide to the inaugural Tokyo Stradivarius Festival
Violin Varnish
Notes and articles from the workshop of Koen Padding. Edited by Helen Michetschläger.
June 2018
We complete our analysis of the ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri, with Anne Akiko Meyers’ views on playing the priceless violin. There’s a look at the pitfalls of playing outdoors, we go in search of Stradivari’s ‘lost’ mould, and Kyung Wha Chung gives her Life Lessons.
Plus Accessories 2018: your guide to strings, bridges, rosin, pickups, and much more.
May 2018
Ray Chen on the importance of social media and popular culture in encouraging a new generation of players; a close look at the most expensive violin in the world, the ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘Del Gesù’; Quartet coaching with Alfred Brendel; Life Lessons from violinist Leila Josefowicz
April 2018
In a German-themed issue, we talk to Carolin Widmann and look at the instrument making traditions of Füssen. Jacob Stainer is the subject of In Focus and the Casals Quartet gives tips on playing Beethoven’s quartets. Plus Christian Tetzlaff discusses his Sentimental Work
March 2018
British soloist Lawrence Power talks about his adventures with the viola, and luthiers share their experiences of collaborative making. There’s an insight into the psychology of teaching adult beginners, and we explore some of the 20th century’s most complex repertoire. Plus an in-depth look at a Domenico Busan viola.
The Strad Directory 2018
It provides you with everything you need to fulfil your stringed instrument needs, from makers and repairers to dealers, wholesalers
February 2018
In a French-themed issue, the Arod Quartet discuss their career to date, and we present a close analysis of a c.1790 Tourte bow. We mark Jean-Luc Ponty’s 75th birthday with an interview and examine the work of Jean-François Aldric. Plus bassist Gary Karr’s Sentimental Work.
January 2018
Yo-Yo Ma discusses making musical connections, and some of Heinrich Schiff’s star students explain what made him a great cello tutor. We report from the Beijing Music Festival and bassist Edgar Meyer reveals his Life Lessons. Plus our 52-page String Courses 2018 supplement
December 2017
Buy the December 2017 issue of The Strad. Includes focus on Stradivari’s final years and the turbulent social and political times in Cremona from 1702 to 1737.
Plus Renaud Capuçon on teaching; Steven Isserlis’ trench cello; double bassist Barry Guy; Dragonetti’s Gasparo da Salò bass and its seismic effect on English luthiery; Trondheim Chamber Music Festival; an 1856 violin by Giuseppe Rocca; luthiers David Finck and Eric Benning; exercises to release tension and improve movement; Daniel Müller-Schott on Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto
November 2017
November 2017 issue of The Strad. Celebrating the centenary of Jascha Heifetz’s historic US debut at Carnegie Hall
October 2017
September 2017 issue of The Strad. Celebrated American violin tutor Dorothy DeLay remembered by former students, including Itzhak Perlman and Philippe Quint.
September 2017
September 2017 issue of The Strad. Celebrated American violin tutor Dorothy DeLay remembered by former students, including Itzhak Perlman and Philippe Quint.
The Strad Calendar 2018: The Friends of Stradivari
Based in Cremona, Italy, the Friends of Stradivari is an international network of people who play, collect, study and love
August 2017
Cellist Jan Vogler discusses his collaboration with Bill Murray and we investigate why cello ensembles have become so popular in
July 2017
The four members of the Chiaroscuro Quartet discuss their latest Haydn CD and we examine the 1708 ‘Dancla’ Stradivari violin.
June 2017
Christian Tetzlaff discusses Bach and we investigate Vuillaume’s self-rehairing bow, David Garrett’s Sentimental Work and the results of the largest
May 2017
Patricia Kopatchinskaja discusses her vision and inspiration, and we ask how young soloists prepare for their first concerto. Elena Rostropovich
April 2017
We report on the restoration of the ‘Paravicini’ Stradivari and Matthew McDonald, the Berlin Philharmonic’s first principal bassist, discusses creative
March 2017
Richard Tognetti discusses new music and we find out how top players go about choosing a new bow. Rachel Barton
February 2017
Vuillaume’s ‘Evangelists’ quartet, cellist and gambist Christophe Coin and a tour of French folk fiddling styles are among the highlights
January 2017
We examine how today’s composers are pushing the boundaries of the violin concerto form, and Sam Zygmuntowicz discusses the cutting
December 2016
Tasmin Little discusses her love for British composers and we examine the 1727 ‘Benvenuti’ Stradivari violin using high-resolution micro-CT scans.
November 2016
We examine how strings became an integral part of minimalist music, and talk to Jennifer Koh about her return to
October 2016
Violinist Julia Fischer and cellist Daniel Müller-Schott talk about the challenges of working as a duo; Kronos Quartet violinist David
September 2016
In this education-themed special issue, veteran violinist–violist Pinchas Zukerman talks about his life in string education; we take a look
August 2016
Cellist Sol Gabetta talks about instruments, technique and finding her own voice, and we examine a rare 1710 Stradivari cello.
July 2016
Chamber music tutor Tim Frederiksen discusses putting together string quartets and we examine the history of violin making in Amsterdam.
June 2016
What can the corners of Stradivari’s instruments tell us about the forms he used? Was Maud Powell the first virtuoso
May 2016
In a special edition to mark the 100th anniversary of Yehudi Menuhin’s birth, we ask some of the people who
April 2016
Frank Peter Zimmermann graces the cover of our special German issue, with articles on the Klotz violin making dynasty and
March 2016
We report on the 2015 VSA/Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop, where 60 luthiers collaborated on a brand new model of violin.
February 2016
In a French-themed issue, cellist Gautier Capuçon discusses his series of masterclasses for postgraduates and we report on new research
January 2016
Leonidas Kavakos discusses the Sibelius Violin Concerto and we explore the life of Paganini’s protégé Camillo Sivori. There’s a close-up
December 2015
Baroque violinist Rachel Podger discusses the perils of scordatura and we a late-period Guarneri violin comes under scrutiny. Christian Tetzlaff
November 2015
In a North America-themed issue, we track the evolution of violin making in the US (with full-length photos of 10
October 2015
The members of the Pavel Haas Quartet discuss their love of Czech music, and we reconstruct Stradivari’s house and workshop
September 2015
Violinist Nicola Benedetti discusses her work with young players in our education special, while recent competition winners discuss their practice
August 2015
We talk to Itzhak Perlman, 70 this month, and investigate the story of America’s first female violin maker. Lynn Harrell
July 2015
We speak to the current members of the Borodin Quartet, celebrating its 70th anniversary this month, and reveal new findings
June 2015
We talk to the Carducci Quartet about its upcoming Shostakovich quartet cycle, and examine the career of Gregor Piatigorsky. There’s
May 2015
In a special edition to mark The Strad’s 125th anniversary, we look through the photo archives for some of the
April 2015
Simon Rattle discusses the Berlin Philharmonic’s characteristic string sound in a German speical, which also includes articles on cellist Anja
March 2015
Nikolaj Znaider discusses how conducting informs his string playing, with further insights on the subject from Joshua Bell, Maxim Vengerov
February 2015
Philippe Graffin is on the cover of a French-themed issue, with articles on bow maker Joseph Lafleur, lutherie in Mirecourt,
January 2015
With a new look for 2015, The Strad interviews the Nightingale Quartet and investigates the finer details of Stradivari’s scrolls.
December 2014
We interview Korean violinist Kyung Wha Chung and examine a 1767 violin by José Contreras, described by some as ‘the
November 2014
James Ehnes is on the cover of our North America-focused issue, in which we pay tribute to the late bow
October 2014
A Girolamo Amati contralto viola reveals its secrets in an extensive study, and we talk to US quartet Brooklyn Rider
September 2014
In our special education issue, some of today’s top string players and teachers recall the tutors who made the biggest
August 2014
We mark the centenary of the First World War’s outbreak with an issue on music and conflict, exploring string works
July 2014
Latvian violinist Baiba Skride discusses her love of modern repertoire and Didier Lockwood talks about his genre-hopping career. We talk
June 2014
We examine a 1774 Guadagnini violin that has survived in almost pristine condition, and talk to string players who have
May 2014
Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg talks about her multifaceted career and the Kronos Quartet looks back on 40 years at the cutting
April 2014
The late cellist János Starker receives an eight-page tribute, with exclusive photo galleries and memories from friends and colleagues. Fiddler
March 2014
We investigate Berlin’s burgeoning chamber music scene in a German-themed issue, and find out why the nation’s music schools are
February 2014
The double bass takes centre stage, as we interview six of today’s top young bassists and investigate teaching, making, and
January 2014
Cellist Zoë Keating explains how her success as a DIY musician in an issue with a ‘fresh thinking’ theme. We
December 2013
Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter talks about reaching out to the next generation of classical music lovers, and we report on the
November 2013
Joshua Bell is on the cover of our North America-focused issue, which contains a detailed examination of his 1713 ‘Huberman’
October 2013
Jacques Thibaud, Fritz Kreisler and Pablo Casals adorn the cover of a special issue celebrating the great players of the
September 2013
Violist and pedagogue Bruno Giuranna heads up an issue focused on teaching, in which we investigate the tuition of string
August 2013
US violist David Aaron Carpenter explains how he’s using star power to broaden the appeal of his instrument. We report
July 2013
Jordi Savall, early music pioneer and multi-instrumentalist, heads up a Baroque-themed issue featuring articles on viol consorts, instruments in Dutch
June 2013
Raphael Wallfisch: the pragmatic cellist with a penchant for new works Vuillaume cello: the 1865 ‘Sheremetev’, one of the maker’s
May 2013
Tabea Zimmermann: the violist with a taste for challenging repertoire Viola favourites: players choose their greatest quartet moments. Developing a
April 2013
Violinist Christian Tetzlaff is the cover star of our German-themed issue, and we have ten copies of his latest CD
March 2013
We talk to the Calder Quartet, a foursome equally at home performing with punk bands as on the concert stage.
February 2013
We talk to cellist Alisa Weilerstein and review her latest CD of Elgar and Carter concertos. This edition also includes
January 2013
Félix Lajkó: the Hungarian violinist is the cover artist for our ‘Fresh Thinking’ issue Electric string concertos: why composers are
December 2012
Ruggiero Ricci: friends and collegues pay tribute to the great violinist and teacher Practice techniques: what can players learn from
November 2012
Oberlin: what happens at the Ohio violin making workshops? Caldwell Collection: some of the world’s most perfect surviving viols William
October 2012
Leila Josefowicz talks about her passion for new works and modern composers, Thomas Demenga discusses his love for Bach’s Cello
September 2012
Teaching is the focus for this month’s edition, in which we discover how Suzuki teaching has spread across the world
August 2012
Cellist Antonio Meneses graces the cover of this Latin American-themed issue, which includes features on string teaching in Venezuela and
July 2012
In this issue, Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto discusses his experiments in sound, and we find out how Les 24 Violons
June 2012
This issue’s guest editor, violinist Hilary Hahn, has chosen a theme of ‘conversations’, in which members of the string world
May 2012
This issue features a detailed analysis of the ‘Saveuse’ Stradivari cello, tips on connecting with an audience, James Ehnes’s thoughts
April 2012
The members of the Brodsky Quartet talk about their love of experimentation, and Maxim Vengerov discusses his return to performing
March 2012
Germany is the theme for this issue, with an interview with player and teacher Antje Weithaas, a Masterclass with cellist
February 2012
Can professional players tell a Strad from a modern instrument in a blind test? We report on the experiment and
January 2012
In an issue that takes ‘fresh thinking’ as its theme, we talk to UK-based duo 2Cellos, who secured a record
December 2011
In an issue themed around money, we ask: How much could a violin cost you over a lifetime? Why do
November 2011
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, cellist and founder of the Silk Road Project, is the cover star for our North America-themed issue,
October 2011
We celebrate the 300th anniversary of Guadagnini’s birth with a look at the master maker’s mysterious life. Tully Potter looks
September 2011
In a special edition on teaching, we talk to psychologists and string instructors about how students react to words of
August 2011
Jan Vogler analyses Schumann’s Cello Concerto, Tully Potter reviews the career of Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman, and we look back
July 2011
This month’s issue features a detailed analysis of the ‘Plowden’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin, an interview with double bass pedagogue
June 2011
In our Benelux special, Dutch violinist Janine Jansen discusses her return to performing after an enforced break, there’s a focus
May 2011
Violist and pedagogue Kim Kashkashian kicks off our viola special, in which we consider why this century is proving to
April 2011
In our special focus on Germany, cellist Alban Gerhardt discusses Casals, fellow players and allowing imperfection. We look back at
March 2011
Stradivari’s ‘Messiah’, one of the most revered instruments ever made, gets a full appraisal including dendrochronological analysis. Fabio Biondi discusses
February 2011
Violinist Lisa Batiashvili discusses her empathy with Shostakovich’s music and we discover what happens when top instruments are stolen. We
January 2011
We profile some of the young talents making a name for themselves in the string world, including Ray Chen, David
December 2010
In an issue themed around the question of ‘Real or fake’, we speak to Dutch violinist André Rieu and consider
November 2010
Jascha Heifetz is the cover star of our North America-themed issue, in which we examine his career Stateside. We ask
October 2010
Gidon Kremer discusses a lifetime of pushing boundaries and Truls Mørk talks about the things that mean most to him.
September 2010
We investigate the success of Venezuela’s El Sistema education programme in an education-themed edition, which also examines how conservatoires are
August 2010
In a Spanish-themed issue, we talk to the Casals Quartet and celebrate the career of violinist Pablo de Sarasate. Ara
July 2010
John Dilworth gives a personal guide to identifying violins and Carlo Chiesa examines the spectacular 1736 ‘Cessole’, ‘Teja–Ferni’ Guarneri ‘del
June 2010
Cellist Natalie Clein discusses Kodály, crossover and her musical ambitions, and we explore the treasures of Korea’s celebrated Chi-Mei collection.
May 2010
In a special edition marking The Strad’s 120th anniversary, we look back at the origins of the magazine, profile Nicolò
April 2010
The Artemis Quartet discuss Beethoven and the benefits of standing up to perform, and we examine how Rostropovich may have
March 2010
We examine a tenor viola by Jacob Stainer that reveals his attention to detail and Italian influences. There are articles
February 2010
We celebrate Ole Bull’s bicentenary by looking back at the Norwegian violinist’s career, and taking a detailed look at his
January 2010
Double bassist Esperanza Spalding describes how she discovered the jazz world, we investigate how sports psychology can help your practice
December 2009
Violinist Gil Shaham explains his passion for Sarasate, we find out how the Nazis plundered priceless instruments and there’s a
November 2009
Hollywood’s unsung heroes come under the spotlight as we search out the string players on some of the movies’ greatest
October 2009
We investigate string allusions in Shakespeare’s plays and there’s an appreciation of 90-year-old concertmaster Michel Schwalbé. Arnold Steinhardt gives a
September 2009
In a teaching special, we investigate the optimum age to start learning, and why teaching all levels together pays dividends.
August 2009
The St Lawrence Quartet talks about combining high-jinks with high-quality playing, and viol expert Jordi Savall discusses his passion for
July 2009
A 1717 Rogeri cello comes under the spotlight and we explore the career of violinist Henryk Szeryng. There’s a look
June 2009
Gary Karr gives tips on playing by touch alone, and Joseph Curtin begins a two-part exploration into the acoustic tones
May 2009
Viktoria Mullova discusses playing on a Baroque violin and there’s a report on research into Stradivari’s varnish. Players discuss performing
April 2009
We talk to British bassist Danny Thompson as he celebrates his 70th birthday, teachers discuss how prodigies should be tutored
March 2009
Yehudi Menuhin’s career comes under the spotlight and we report from the Eindhoven string competition. Steven Isserlis reveals his passion
February 2009
We examine the 1715 ‘Titian’ Stradivari using the latest technological methods, celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn’s birth and investigate
January 2009
In an issue themed around fresh perspectives, we examine carbon-fibre bows, electric violins and how new technology is being used
Celebrating Slava
A marvelous tribute to Mstislav Rostropovich
Janácek String Quartets
These are glowing performances. The Talich’s restrained, sympathetic playing makes this an uplifting and highly desirable CD. Erwin Schulhoff’s Quartet
Basics by Simon Fischer
Basics is a collection of practice methods and exercises for violin and viola players of all standards, from concert soloists
The Strad Varnish Colour Swatch
The Strad Colour Swatch has been designed to help you match varnish colours between instruments. Ideal for specifying colours with partners
The Strad Calendar 2017
The Academies Collection
