Antonio Stradivari ‘Boissier, Sarasate’ Violin 1713 (FOLDED)
FOLDED VERSION
Made during Antonio's Stradivari's so-called 'golden period', the 1713 'Boissier, Sarasate' is in an excellent state of preservation. Housed in the museum of the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid, it has rarely been played since it was left to the conservatoire by its last owner, the Spanish virtuoso Pablo Sarasate. This poster includes full outlines and measurements taken from a state-of-the-art 3D scan of the instrument.
'The surface retains a very good amount of varnish. It is remarkable that it has not been ‘protected’ with a layer of French polish, making it ever more outstanding and appreciated in today’s shop standards. The colour of the varnish is a light reddish-brown over Stradivari’s wonderful golden ground.' – Roberto Jardón Rico in the January 2024 issue of The Strad
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- Dedicated sections for luthiers, players and teachers
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- Access to over 140 digital magazines giving you a wealth of archived content
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The Strad Directory 2024
Great Instruments
Every generation of violin makers has sought to analyse and understand the classic forms, and, for the past 122 years, the violin world's leading experts have assessed the latest research into the finest instruments in the pages of The Strad. Great Instruments includes 15 authoritative and beautifully illustrated articles from the past ten years, which provide unique insights into some of the world's most celebrated stringed instruments.
Full list of featured instruments
- c.1566 Andrea Amati Violin
- c.1600 Brothers Amati Cello
- 1619 Henry Jaye Viol
- c.1650 Jacob Stainer Tenor viola
- 1709 Antonio Stradivari 'Viotti' violin
- 1715 Antonio Stradivari 'Titian' violin
- 1716 Antonio Stradivari 'Messiah' violin
- 1717 Domenico Montagnana Violin
- 1717 Pietro Giacomo Rogeri Cello
- 1721 Antonio Stradivari 'Kruse' violin
- 1735 Guarneri 'del Gesu' 'Plowden' violin
- 1736 Carlo Bergonzi Violin
- 1736 Guarneri 'del Gesu 'Cessole', 'Teja-Ferni'
- 1740 Domenico Montagnana Cello
- 1808 Niclas Lupot Violin
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.
Read more in The Strad
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.
Read more in The Strad
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.
Read more in The Strad
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.
Read more in The Strad
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.
Read more in The Strad
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.
Read more in The Strad
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.
Read more in The Strad
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.
Read more in The Strad
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
June 2023
British cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson discusses her influences and we report on the efforts to help young displaced musicians from Ukraine. There’s a Masterclass on Fauré and we mark the 100th anniversary of Ligeti’s birth. Plus Francesca Dego’s Sentimental Work.
Read more in The Strad
May 2023
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 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
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.
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
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
The Strad Calendar 2023: The Australian Collection
In the past few years, Australia has become a classical music heartland with a number of its orchestras and ensembles achieving world renown. Many of its string players now perform on world-class instruments made by some of the most respected luthiers ever to have lived.
· 1585 Gasparo da Salò double bass
· c.1600 G.P. Maggini viola
· 1709 'Scotta' Antonio Stradivari violin
· 1714 Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ violin
· 1720 Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ violin
· 1728/29 Antonio Stradivari violin
· 1729 Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ cello
· 1743 'Carrodus' Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
· 1743 G.B. Guadagnini cello
· 1760 Nicolò Gagliano violin
· 1784 G.B. Guadagnini violin
· 1859 'Karrman' Vuillaume violin
September 2022
August 2022
Girolamo Amati II violin 1671 poster – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
The son of Nicolò Amati, Girolamo Amati II was the last instrument maker of the illustrious Amati dynasty. Although he made fewer violins than his forebears, the ones that have survived show the work of a skilled luthier in his prime. This violin, made in the early part of his career, is a pristine example of his craftsmanship and shows many stylistic similarities to the work of his father. It is now housed in the Royal Academy of Music.
'The maple is delicately figured on the back and ribs, and plain for the neck-block. It has been perfectly quarter-cut. Unevenly scattered bearclaw figure ruffles the surface of the one-piece spruce front' – Barbara Meyer in the July 2022 issue
Read more in The Strad
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.
July 2022
We examine a 1671 violin by Girolamo Amati II and the members of the Brodsky Quartet discuss their 50th anniversary. There’s a look at Bach’s Cello Suites, string playing’s ‘lost arts’, and the career of François-Nicolas Voirin comes under the spotlight. Plus Kenneth Sillito’s Sentimental Work.
June 2022
May 2022
March 2022
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
Antonio Stradivari ‘Willemotte’ violin 1734 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.
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.
Antonio Stradivari 1694 ‘Benecke’ violin 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.
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
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.
