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
British violinist Daniel Pioro discusses his influences and we ask how players can get the most out of entering competitions. There’s a Masterclass on Beethoven’s Grosse Fuge and we rewrite the early history of Russian bow making. Plus cellist Matt Haimovitz’s Life Lessons
December 2022
We take a close look at the 1693 ‘Harrison’ Stradivari violin and speak to superstar Czech violinist Pavel Šporcl. There’s a look at the late bows of François Xavier Tourte and a peep into the orchestra pit at the Bayreuth Festival. Plus violinist Philippe Quint’s Sentimental Work.
November 2022
In a North America special, we talk to the Emerson Quartet and investigate black community orchestras in the United States. There’s an interview with violinist–composer Caroline Shaw and Matt Wehling completes his examination of Voirin bows. Plus Nicolas Altstaedt’s Sentimental Work.
October 2022
Double bassist Rick Stotijn discusses his mission to increase the repertoire, and we examine the evolution of the Viennese bass. There’s a look at Scottish fiddling, a Masterclass with Abel Selaocoe and tips on developing your own sound. Plus Nobuko Imai’s Sentimental Work.
September 2022
In an education special, Pinchas Zukerman invites us to a masterclass and we examine violin making schools around the world. There’s a look at string teaching in Australia and the story of Soviet viola tutor Yuri Kramarov. Plus violinist Jack Liebeck’s Sentimental Work.
August 2022
Pekka Kuusisto discusses making the leap from violinist to conductor, and we examine three Guarneri violins from 1734. There’s a look at musicians and exercise and cellist Maria Kliegel gives her Sentimental Work. Plus a Mozart Masterclass from the Armida Quartet.
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
The members of the Pavel Haas Quartet discuss their latest Brahms recording and we look into learning an instrument as an adult. Collector David Fulton presents a mini-tour of his collection and Joshua Bell gives his Sentimental Work. Plus our 60-page Accessories supplement.
May 2022
Viktoria Mullova discusses her latest Schubert recording and we examine the life of pedagogue Paul Makanowitzky. There’s a look at violin making in Seoul and Renaud Capuçon reveals his Sentimental Work. Plus our annual Degrees supplement
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
March 2022
Leonidas Kavakos discusses his new Bach recording and we find out why some orchestras have dispensed with conductors. There’s a look at Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s string music and luthiers recall their earliest experiences in the violin business. Plus Jennifer Pike chooses her Sentimental Work