April 2022
In a German-themed issue, Johannes Moser discusses his love of experimental repertoire and we examine the mystery of Jacob Stainer’s birthdate. There’s a Beethoven Session Report with Rachel Podger, and a look at two German lutherie families who found success in the US. Plus double bassist Christine Hoock’s Sentimental Work
The Strad Directory 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
‘Armingaud, Fernández Blanco’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin 1732 poster – FOLDED VERSION
An extraordinarily well-preserved violin from Guarneri's middle period, the 'Armingaud, Fernández Blanco' languished for decades untouched until its rediscovery in a Buenos Aires wardrobe. The quality of its varnish and workmanship are exceptional.
'The "Armingaud, Fernández Blanco" is so well preserved that we can learn a great deal about the maker from it' – Frédéric Chaudière in the November 2017 edition of 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***
Antonio Stradivari ‘Willemotte’ violin 1734 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
A masterpiece of Antonio Stradivari's late period, the 'Willemotte' has a muscular ruggedness and strong character: massive, with generous edges, full arching and broad f-holes. It is now the principal performing instrument of violinist Leonidas Kavakos. Includes measurements, thickness maps and life-size CT scans.
'The sound of the "Willemotte" leaves one grasping for the right adjectives: complex, deep, pungent, something you almost taste as much as hear' - Sam Zygmuntowicz in the December 2020 edition of 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***
Antonio Stradivari ‘Benecke’ violin 1694 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
A masterpiece from Stradivari's 'Long Pattern' era, the 1694 'Benecke' remains in an almost pristine state of preservation. It was named for its owner Paul Benecke, a friend of Mendelssohn, and was greatly admired by the Hills, who called it 'probably the finest of the Long Pattern that we know of'. As well as containing full measurements, this poster includes micro-CT scans, thickness and arching maps, and all the information luthiers need to make their own copy.
'In contrast with the earlier production of Stradivari, the refined aesthetic of the ‘Benecke’... communicates a sense of fluidity and softness... which was a primary source of inspiration for other Italian makers working at the beginning of the 20th century, particularly in Milan' - Andrea Zanrè in the July 2020 edition.
***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***
Carlo Bergonzi ‘Baron Knoop’ violin 1735 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
This violin demonstrates all the hallmarks of Carlo Bergonzi's mature style, as well as the influences of both Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri ‘del Gesù’. Made from top-quality spruce and maple, it shows the exquisite care with which Bergonzi prepared all his finest instruments.
'Bergonzi's varnish has a deep, subdued fire which doesn’t try to emulate the visual effects obtained by his competitors' - Andrea Zanrè in the July 2021 edition of 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***
G.B. Guadagnini ‘Cozio’ viola 1773 poster
This viola is one of the first to be made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini during his ‘Turin period’, which saw the crafting of some of his finest works. His regular income from Count Cozio di Salabue gave him greater freedom to experiment, as evidenced by this small-size viola with high-set f-holes and enlarged centre bouts. With a back length of 400mm, it has wide, full arching and a brilliant yellow-orange varnish. The poster includes high-definition CT scans as well as full measurements.
'The workmanship of the viola is of great quality and care: the archings are perfectly cut and finished, the interior appears to be in an excellent state of conservation, and it bears a number of the maker's marks' - Alberto Giordano in the January 2022 issue
Our 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*** 
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
The Strad Calendar 2022: Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation
For this year’s calendar, The Strad has partnered with the Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation. Established in 1988, it has accumulated one of the largest collections of instruments in Europe, with a total value estimated at over €36 million. More than 400 are stringed instruments, along with 250 bows.
August 2021
Antonio Stradivari ‘Archinto’ viola 1696 poster
By popular demand, The Strad is republishing one of its most sought-after posters - the 1696 'Archinto' Stradivari viola - with brand new photography that brings out the colours and craftsmanship like never before. One of the treasures of London's Royal Academy of Music, the 'Archinto' provides a model for luthiers to admire and copy even in the 21st century.
'The 1696 Stradivari ‘Archinto’ viola is one of the most beautiful instruments in the world. It was made at a very felicitous time, just as the great master’s red varnish was reaching perfection and his designs — encapsulated in the gorgeous long pattern violins — were at their most elegant... The tone is archetypal Stradivari; clear and pure across all the strings, with a quick response and good articulation. In the hands of a great player it provides a wide range of tone colour. In contrast to the typically Brescian sound, it is more violin-like in quality and reveals a slight lack of potency in the lowest string.' - John Dilworth in the June 1996 issue
Includes measurements, thickness and arching maps.
Our 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***
July 2021
Carlo Bergonzi ‘Baron Knoop’ violin 1735 poster
This violin demonstrates all the hallmarks of Carlo Bergonzi's mature style, as well as the influences of both Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri ‘del Gesù’. Made from top-quality spruce and maple, it shows the exquisite care with which Bergonzi prepared all his finest instruments.
'Bergonzi's varnish has a deep, subdued fire which doesn’t try to emulate the visual effects obtained by his competitors' - Andrea Zanrè in the July 2021 edition of The Strad
Includes measurements, thickness and arching maps and life-size micro-CT scans.
Our 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***
June 2021
We talk to up-and-coming soloist Bomsori Kim and investigate the Knopf dynasty of bow makers. Jennifer Koh gives a Masterclass on Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir d’un lieu cher, and Carolin Widmann talks about Schubert in Sentimental Work. Plus our annual Accessories supplement, with everything you need to know on Covid-proofing your orchestra.
May 2021
April 2021
Crossover superstar David Garrett discusses his career so far, and we examine the legacy of bow maker Ludwig Bausch. Daniel Hope talks about his friendship with Alfred Schnittke in Sentimental Work, and we learn the ins and out of gut string making. Plus a Haydn Masterclass with the Chiaroscuro Quartet.
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
Cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras talks about his latest Beethoven recording and we take an in-depth look inside Stradivari’s ‘Messiah’ using CT scans. Students of the late George Neikrug reminisce about the great cello tutor, and Alban Gerhardt completes his Saint-Saëns Masterclass. Plus Rohan de Saram’s Life Lessons
