Alfred Dubois and Marcel Maas
Alfred Dubois was one of the stars of the Franco-Belgian school of violinists. A pupil of Ysaÿe and best known today as Arthur Grumiaux’s teacher, he was also a soloist in his own right, as his fine records testify. These 1930s sonatas, recorded with his regular accompanist Marcel Maas, show his inimitable artistry and sonorous tone. A must for anyone interested in historic violin playing.
Over 68 minutes.
Brahms Violin Sonatas
Vladimir Ashkenazy wrote: 'Simon Fischer is a thoroughly accomplished violinist, a wonderful musician'. This CD introduces Simon Fischer's playing to people who have known him purely as one of the leading violin teachers in the world.
Simon Fischer plays:
Scherzo from 'F.A.E' Sonata (Sonatensatz)
Sonata No. 1 in G, op. 78
Sonata No. 2 in A, op. 100
Sonata No. 3 in D minor, op. 108
Rubbra Violin Concerto: Krysia Osostowicz
Krysia Osostowicz is on mesmerising form and wonderfully supported by Takuo Yuasa and the Ulster Orchestra. The recording’s alluring, autumnal glow fits the music like a glove. The disc opens with the violin Improvisation in which Osostowicz is the passionate pilgrim. This is followed by the Violin Concerto, which has the same dark concentration as the Improvisation.
A Voice in the Dark, The Philharmonia Years by Alexander Kok
French Cello Sonatas 1871-1939 by Steven Sensbach
Steven Sensbach has compiled a treasure trove for cellists and anyone interested in French cultural life. Setting the works in their cultural and historial context, he unearths many forgotten gems – 37 of the more than 130 sonatas discussed are unpublished – while shedding new light on repertoire works. Scholarly yet practical, Sensbach uses his knowledge as a cellist to offer performance tips and give his own recommendations.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: The Lilliput Press (March 31, 2001)
Varnishes and Very Curious Secrets: Cremona 1747, ed. Vincenzo Gheroldi
This study is based on a collection of varnish recipes in an 18th-century manuscript in a Milan library. Based on this manuscript, Gheroldi, Stefania Vitale and Luciano Colombo provide the cultural background to the amateurs who wrote artistic recipe books and their preferences and technical skills in preparing varnishes for paintings, as well as 'Chinese varnishes' and varnishes for miniature paintings. Two further essays deal with 18th-century varnishes for violin making and restoration.
This is a fascinating document for understanding the techniques of the 'Golden Age' of Cremonese instruments, and to further experimentation for contemporary violin makers.
Paperback in hard box. 251pp; text in English and Italian.
Carl Flesch: The Art of Violin Playing Volume 1
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 and suppliers in other locations.
The collection of 70 graded and uniquely coded colour tabs comes with a protective plastic cover and should be an essential tool in your workshop.
The Strad Directory 2017
Newly published, the current edition of The Strad Directory is as indispensable as ever. It provides you with everything you need to fulfil your stringed instrument needs, from makers and repairers to dealers, wholesalers and auction houses. It even gives details of making schools, insurance providers, teaching organisations, publishers and all kinds of other string-related businesses.
Violin Heroes
Nine of today's top violinists, including Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Maxim Vengerov and Nikolaj Znaider, talk about the players who have most influenced them. Plus, articles from The Strad’s archive give an insight into the greatest players of the last century, including Heifetz, Menuhin, Kreisler and Ysaÿe.
