Antonio Stradivari ‘King Carlos IV’ violin 1709 poster
The ‘King Carlos IV’ is one of the few instruments remaining from the collection of the Spanish king, who ruled from 1788 to 1808. Made during Stradivari’s ‘golden period’, it is one of the rare examples that is so well preserved that its sound is seldom matched by other violins of the era. The maple back has deep, wide flames descending slightly, which shimmer like water in the light. The scroll is incredibly round and bold, displaying an ultimate strength in making.
Florian Leonhard examines its history and present condition in The Strad magazine July 2023
Antonio Stradivari ‘King Carlos IV’ violin 1709 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
The ‘King Carlos IV’ is one of the few instruments remaining from the collection of the Spanish king, who ruled from 1788 to 1808. Made during Stradivari’s ‘golden period’, it is one of the rare examples that is so well preserved that its sound is seldom matched by other violins of the era. The maple back has deep, wide flames descending slightly, which shimmer like water in the light. The scroll is incredibly round and bold, displaying an ultimate strength in making.
Florian Leonhard examines its history and present condition in The Strad magazine July 2023
April 2024
We talk to superstar violinist Joshua Bell and report on an innovative ‘improvised’ concerto. There’s a look at the career of bow maker Richard Otto Gläsel and Elena Urioste reveals her Sentimental Work. Plus a Beethoven Masterclass courtesy of cellist Gary Hoffman.
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March 2024
We talk to superstar violinist Augustin Hadelich and explore the life of composer Pierre Rode. Cellist Laurence Lesser looks back on his six-decade career and there’s a Masterclass on Ravel’s Violin Sonata no.2. Plus a look at setting up a double bass, and Gidon Kremer reveals his Sentimental Work.
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February 2024
We talk to British violist Timothy Ridout and learn about the history of violin making in Schönbach. Philippe Graffin talks about the discovery of a ‘lost’ work by Ysaÿe and we examine what might be the last violin ever made by Guadagnini. Plus a Brahms Masterclass with Daniel Kurganov.
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January 2024
We examine the 1713 ‘Boissier, Sarasate’ violin by Antonio Stradivari and chat to young virtuoso cellist Zlatomir Fung. There’s a look at how Maud Powell championed the Sibelius Violin Concerto in the US, and Carolin Widmann reveals her Life Lessons. Plus a Mozart Masterclass with Dmitry Sitkovetsky
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December 2023
We talk to US violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and investigate the lives of two Italian luthiers: Filippo de Filippi and Luigi Mozzani. There’s an in-depth look at Telemann and we look at techniques to play more effortlessly. Plus a Dvořák Masterclass with cellist Hannah Roberts.
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November 2023
In a North American special, we talk to double bassist Joseph Conyers and look at the work of the Sphinx Organization. There’s a look at the immigration of German bow makers to the US and we find out how over 30 luthiers collaborated on a single cello at Oberlin. Plus Aleksey Igudesman’s Sentimental Work.
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September 2023
In an education special, we talk to violinist Randall Goosby and explore strategies to help adult learners on the cello. There’s a look at training a lutherie apprentice, and what conservatoires are doing to safeguard students’ mental health. Plus interviews with Hilary Hahn, Ronald Copes and Eldbjørg Hemsing.
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August 2023
Nicola Benedetti talks about becoming director of the Edinburgh International Festival, and there’s a look at the life of luthier Marino Capicchioni. We ask what Stradivari used as a pre-varnish preparation layer, and Julian Rachlin gives his Sentimental Work. Plus a Dvořák Masterclass with Pavel Šporcl.
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October 2023
We talk to the Leonkoro Quartet and investigate the history of the Hardanger fiddle. There’s a look at Pablo Casals’ unique interpretation of Bach’s Cello Suites, and double bassist Leon Bosch gives a Masterclass on Koussevitzky. Plus interviews with Johan Dalene, Nils Mönkemeyer and Sergej Krylov.
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July 2023
We examine the 1709 ‘King Carlos IV’ Stradivari violin and chat to US fiddler Mark O’Connor. There’s a look at the early history of Brahms’s Violin Concerto and cellist Thomas Demenga gives a Debussy Masterclass. Plus our annual Accessories supplement.
Read the review in The Strad
BUNDLE – The Best of Trade Secrets 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
May 2023
Antonio Stradivari ‘Harrison’ violin 1693 poster
A perfect example of Stradivari's Long Pattern, the 'Harrison' was for many years the principal performing instrument of Kyung Wha Chung. It is now part of the collection of the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, US.
Read more in The StradOur posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
April 2023
Carolin Widmann is the cover star of a German-themed issue, with a profile of the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic and the story of collector Baron Johann Knoop. We look at how luthiers can calculate their instrument prices, and the Tippett Quartet discuss recording Korngold. Plus cellist Tanja Tetzlaff’s Sentimental Work.
The Strad Directory 2023
Antonio Stradivari ‘Harrison’ violin 1693 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
A perfect example of Stradivari's Long Pattern, the 'Harrison' was for many years the principal performing instrument of Kyung Wha Chung. It is now part of the collection of the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, US.
Read more in The Strad
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here*** 
March 2023
February 2023
Christian-Pierre La Marca is on the cover of a French-themed issue, in which we examine pedagogue Lucien Capet’s legacy and luthier Pierre Flavetta investigates Cremonese varnish. There’s a look inside David Ayache’s Montpellier workshop and Yann Poulain explores modern lutherie techniques. Plus Midori’s 40 years in the spotlight
January 2023
The Best of Trade Secrets 5
