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.
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.
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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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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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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.
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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
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
November 2022
March 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.
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
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
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
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
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
December 2020
November-2020
October – 2020
July-2020
April-2020
March-2020
February-2020
January-2020
December-2019
Alberto Giordano and Rudolf Hopfner tell the fascinating story of the 1677 ‘Romanov’ Amati viola: once part of Russia’s Imperial Collection, the instrument displays features of both Nicolò and his son Girolamo II. We also take a look at the Royal Danish Orchestra’s fine instrument collection, and explore casting professional musicians in film and TV roles.
September-2019
August-2019
July-2019
May-2019
April-2019
February-2019
January-2019
December-2018
November-2018
October-2018
September-2018
August-2018
We talk to the Doric Quartet about bows and recordings, and get tips on making arrangements of non-classical works. Anne-Sophie Mutter tells us her Sentimental Work there’s a Beethoven Masterclass and we look back on Henryk Szeryng’s playing career. Plus, the fall and rise of violin making in Hungary.
July-2018
April-2018
March-2018
British soloist Lawrence Power talks about his adventures with the viola, and luthiers share their experiences of collaborative making.  There’s an insight into the psychology of teaching adult beginners, and we explore some of the 20th century’s most complex repertoire. Plus an in-depth look at a Domenico Busan viola.
February-2018
January-2018
November-2017
October-2017
September-2017
August-2017
July-2017
The four members of the Chiaroscuro Quartet discuss their latest Haydn CD and we examine the 1708 ‘Dancla’ Stradivari violin. There’s an analysis of vibrato and a tribute to bow maker and author Bernard Millant, who died in April. Plus interviews with Jordi Savall, Paul Neubauer, Paul Katz and Maxim Rysanov among others.
June-2017
May-2017
Patricia Kopatchinskaja discusses her vision and inspiration, and we ask how young soloists prepare for their first concerto. Elena Rostropovich shares memories of her famous father and Ning Feng talks about his love for the Sibelius Concerto. Plus Degrees 2017–18 – your guide to courses for the next academic year.
April-2017
We report on the restoration of the 'Paravicini' Stradivari and Matthew McDonald, the Berlin Philharmonic's first principal bassist, discusses creative interpretation. Rostropovich is featured in our Great Cellists section, and Natalie Clein gives her thoughts on the Schubert Quintet. Plus Cremona 2017: our annual supplement on the Italian capital of violin making.
March-2017
February-2017
January-2017
We examine how today's composers are pushing the boundaries of the violin concerto form, and Sam Zygmuntowicz discusses the cutting edge of violin research. Augustin Hadelich completes his Tchaikovsky Masterclass and we talk to the Emerson Quartet, 40 years after its formation. Plus Lynn Harrell's Sentimental Work.
December-2016
Tasmin Little discusses her love for British composers and we examine the 1727 ‘Benvenuti’ Stradivari violin using high-resolution micro-CT scans. Sarah Chang talks about her love of Brahms and Augustin Hadelich gives a detailed guide to Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in Masterclass. Plus a collector’s guide to Bloch’s Schelomo
November-2016
October-2016
Violinist Julia Fischer and cellist Daniel Müller-Schott talk about the challenges of working as a duo; Kronos Quartet violinist David Harrington discusses the ensemble’s relationship with composer Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen; five string players in their twenties describe their experiences of building a performing career; and Paul Silverthorne gives fingerings and annotations for Brahms's Viola Sonata op.120 no.2.
September-2016
In this education-themed special issue, veteran violinist–violist Pinchas Zukerman talks about his life in string education; we take a look at the effectiveness of improvisation as a learning tool; lutherie schools divulge how they approach sound; and we explore the work of Dall'Aglio and Coppi, two Mantuan makers of the early 19th century.
August-2016
June-2016
What can the corners of Stradivari’s instruments tell us about the forms he used? Was Maud Powell the first virtuoso to favour a modern instrument? What are the best recordings of Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto? The Strad investigates all this and more in its June issue, also containing interviews with Antje Weithaas, Nils Mönkemeyer and Lionel Handy.
April-2016
Frank Peter Zimmermann graces the cover of our special German issue, with articles on the Klotz violin making dynasty and modern-day luthier Stefan-Peter Greiner. Auction house directors give their top tips on buying instruments at auction, and Augustin Hadelich discusses Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Plus, the favourite encores of Leonidas Kavakos, Hilary Hahn, Arabella Steinbacher
March-2016
We report on the 2015 VSA/Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop, where 60 luthiers collaborated on a brand new model of violin. James Ehnes gives a Masterclass on Beethoven’s ‘Spring’ Sonata and we examine two cellos by the lesser-known maker Antonio Casini. Plus interviews with David Geringas, Christian Poltéra, Lynn Harrell, Rosalind Ventris and many more.
February-2016
In a French-themed issue, cellist Gautier Capuçon discusses his series of masterclasses for postgraduates and we report on new research that casts light on luthier Nicolas Lupot’s career. Paul Childs gives an in-depth appraisal of a Dominique Peccatte bow and we examine Pierre Fournier’s playing style in Great Cellists. Plus Pierre Amoyal on Heifetz and Saint-Saëns.
January-2016
Leonidas Kavakos discusses the Sibelius Violin Concerto and we explore the life of Paganini’s protégé Camillo Sivori. There’s a close-up examination of a Balestrieri violin and Ray Chen gives a Mozart Masterclass. Plus Summerplus 2016 – your guide to courses for players, teachers and makers worldwide.
November-2015
In a North America-themed issue, we track the evolution of violin making in the US (with full-length photos of 10 instruments by American makers). We visit the elite Domaine Forget music camp in Canada, and examine the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of Cremonese instruments. Plus articles by double bassists Edgar Meyer and Joel Quarrington, and our FREE 36-page Accessories 2015 supplement
October-2015
The members of the Pavel Haas Quartet discuss their love of Czech music, and we reconstruct Stradivari’s house and workshop from historical clues. Alban Gerhardt gives a Masterclass on Dvořák and Richard Tognetti reflects on performing Bach. Plus double bassist François Rabbath on improving finger dexterity.
July-2015
We speak to the current members of the Borodin Quartet, celebrating its 70th anniversary this month, and reveal new findings about Mantua luthier Tommaso Balestrieri. Cellist Alexander Baillie analyses Britten, Lawrence Wheeler gives hints on playing spiccato, and we examine a late Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ for In Focus..
May-2015
In a special edition to mark The Strad’s 125th anniversary, we look through the photo archives for some of the highlights of the past 13 decades. We examine how the dawn of recording influenced string playing, pay tribute to New York violinist David Nadien and examine possibly the world’s oldest cello: the Andrea Amati ‘King’.
March-2015
Nikolaj Znaider discusses how conducting informs his string playing, with further insights on the subject from Joshua Bell, Maxim Vengerov and Julian Rachlin among others. Instrument dealers explain how they help customers find their perfect instrument, and bassist Leon Bosch completes his analysis of Dittersdorf’s Second Double Bass Concerto. Plus violist Bruno Giuranna on tone production.
February-2015
Philippe Graffin is on the cover of a French-themed issue, with articles on bow maker Joseph Lafleur, lutherie in Mirecourt, and Jean-Jacques Kantorow on Tartini. Plus a new series on Great Cellists begins with Paul Tortelier, Raphael Wallfisch gives tips on playing Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations, and what classical players can learn from playing alternative styles
November-2014
James Ehnes is on the cover of our North America-focused issue, in which we pay tribute to the late bow maker William Salchow, report on schemes to promote diversity in US orchestras, and examine recordings of Leonard Bernstein’s Serenade. Plus, cellist Natalie Clein gives a Saint-Saëns Masterclass and Philip Kass examines the lives of Mantuan luthiers.
May-2014
Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg talks about her multifaceted career and the Kronos Quartet looks back on 40 years at the cutting edge of contemporary music. Teachers discuss ways of preparing their students for orchestral auditions and we investigate the complex world of insurance for players and makers. Plus, Peter Herresthal gives a Masterclass on Thomas Adès.
March-2014
We investigate Berlin’s burgeoning chamber music scene in a German-themed issue, and find out why the nation’s music schools are so highly regarded. String players and luthiers remember the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and Antoine Tamestit gives a Masterclass on Bach. Plus, cellist Jan Vogler’s practice diary and an in-depth interview with the Mandelring Quartet
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- Unlimited access to all premium online content, written by our editorial team and expert contributors
- Access to over 140 digital magazines giving you a wealth of archived content
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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
Read more in The Strad
September-2020
August-2020
November-2019
October-2019
Raphael Wallfisch marks the centenary of Elgar's Cello Concerto with the story of the work's composition, premiere and subsequent interpretations. Plus we speak to the Kuss Quartet about performing Beethoven on the 'Paganini' set of Stradivaris, and investigate how instrument set-up can affect sound.
March-2019
June-2018
We complete our analysis of the ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri, with Anne Akiko Meyers’ views on playing the priceless violin. There’s a look at the pitfalls of playing outdoors, we go in search of Stradivari’s ‘lost’ mould, and Kyung Wha Chung gives her Life Lessons.
Plus Accessories 2018: your guide to strings, bridges, rosin, pickups, and much more.
May-2018
December-2017
Buy the December 2017 issue of The Strad. Includes focus on Stradivari's final years and the turbulent social and political times in Cremona from 1702 to 1737.
Plus Renaud Capuçon on teaching; Steven Isserlis’ trench cello; double bassist Barry Guy; Dragonetti’s Gasparo da Salò bass and its seismic effect on English luthiery; Trondheim Chamber Music Festival; an 1856 violin by Giuseppe Rocca; luthiers David Finck and Eric Benning; exercises to release tension and improve movement; Daniel Müller-Schott on Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto
July-2016
Chamber music tutor Tim Frederiksen discusses putting together string quartets and we examine the history of violin making in Amsterdam. Joshua Bell and Steven Isserlis discuss their latest collaboration, and there’s an In Focus on a Stradivari cello. Plus bassist Dan Styffe on Arvo Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel.
May-2016
In a special edition to mark the 100th anniversary of Yehudi Menuhin’s birth, we ask some of the people who knew him best fr their memories of the great violinist. We also explore Menuhin’s photo archive and examine his favourite instrument, the ‘Lord Wilton’ Guarneri. Plus two free supplements: Cremona 2016 and Degrees, your guide to string teaching courses around the world.
December-2015
Baroque violinist Rachel Podger discusses the perils of scordatura and we a late-period Guarneri violin comes under scrutiny. Christian Tetzlaff completes his Masterclass on Beethoven, there’s a Kodály retrospective and double bassist DaXun Zhang gives his Practice Diary. Plus Jan Vogler on Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations
September-2015
Violinist Nicola Benedetti discusses her work with young players in our education special, while recent competition winners discuss their practice methods. We look back at the life and teaching style of luthier Peter Paul Prier, and Roby Lakatos gives a guide to gypsy fiddling. Plus Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson on the Brahms ‘Double’
August-2015
We talk to Itzhak Perlman, 70 this month, and investigate the story of America’s first female violin maker. Lynn Harrell gives a guide to resonant cello sound, and Rachel Barton Pine explains why Mozart’s Third Violin Concerto is her ‘good friend’. Plus a Masterclass on Brahms’s Viola Sonata and a tribute to Lindsay Quartet co-founder Peter Cropper.
June-2015
We talk to the Carducci Quartet about its upcoming Shostakovich quartet cycle, and examine the career of Gregor Piatigorsky. There’s a report on how acting techniques can benefit string players, and the second of two articles on the Andrea Amati ‘King’ cello. Plus Hilary Hahn on Vieuxtemps, Christian Tetzlaff on Beethoven, and a celebration of Leopold Auer’s life and career.
April-2015
Simon Rattle discusses the Berlin Philharmonic’s characteristic string sound in a German speical, which also includes articles on cellist Anja Thauer and the development of instruments in Markneukirchen. Alban Gerhardt discusses playing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, Tabea Zimmermann gives a Masterclass on Hindemith and there’s a guide to double bass bowing from Jeff Bradetich. Plus Sarah Chang’s practice diary.
January-2015
December-2014
We interview Korean violinist Kyung Wha Chung and examine a 1767 violin by José Contreras, described by some as ‘the Spanish Stradivari’. Russian pedagogue Maya Glezarova recalls her 70 years of teaching, and Augustin Dumay and Louis Lortie reflect on performing as a duo. Plus a Dvořák Masterclass with 14 audio examples
October-2014
A Girolamo Amati contralto viola reveals its secrets in an extensive study, and we talk to US quartet Brooklyn Rider about its latest multidisciplinary project. We examine the legacy of French violinist–composer Jean-Marie Leclair and there’s a Masterclass on Rimsky-Korsakov. Plus mutes, chin rests, violin cases and carbon-fibre bows in Accessories 2014.
September-2014
In our special education issue, some of today’s top string players and teachers recall the tutors who made the biggest impression on them. We explore a youth education scheme in London, the Bologna school of violin making, and how to deal with unruly kids. Plus, Leon Bosch on Dittersdorf’s Second Double Bass Concerto
August-2014
We mark the centenary of the First World War’s outbreak with an issue on music and conflict, exploring string works about war, soldiers’ instruments, and the work of Musicians without Borders. Plus Tamsin Waley-Cohen’s Practice Diary, the Henschel Quartet on Schulhoff, and taking care of instruments in summer.
July-2014
Latvian violinist Baiba Skride discusses her love of modern repertoire and Didier Lockwood talks about his genre-hopping career. We talk to artists including Natalie Clein, Daniel Hope and Rachel Barton Pine about premiering new works, and explore the world of commissioning instruments. Plus Gary Karr on the plight of orchestral bassists.
June-2014
We examine a 1774 Guadagnini violin that has survived in almost pristine condition, and talk to string players who have set up their own festivals. Concertmaster Glenn Dicterow recalls his time at the New York Philharmonic, and orchestra principals discuss the works of Strauss. Plus Leonidas Kavakos gives a Masterclass on the Brahms Violin Concerto
April-2014
The late cellist János Starker receives an eight-page tribute, with exclusive photo galleries and memories from friends and colleagues. Fiddler Sam Sweeney gives a Masterclass on the English folk style, complete with videos, and we investigate career development in the orchestral world. Plus, in-depth interviews with the Arditti Quartet and Neville Marriner
February-2014
The double bass takes centre stage, as we interview six of today’s top young bassists and investigate teaching, making, and travelling with a bass. There’s a Masterclass from Dan Styffe, Joel Quarrington’s practice diary, François Rabbath on the things that inspire him, and a report on the state of the international double bass market. Plus an interview with veteran bassist Barbara Sanderling
January-2014
Cellist Zoë Keating explains how her success as a DIY musician in an issue with a ‘fresh thinking’ theme. We report on ensembles with alternative repoertoire such as the Silk Road Ensemble and discover why luthiers have started creating their own exhibitions. Plus Gary Hoffman on Brahms, David Harrington on teaching new music, and Summerplus, our annual guide to short string courses worldwide.
December-2013
Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter talks about reaching out to the next generation of classical music lovers, and we report on the downfall of disgraced violin dealer Dietmar Machold. Top viola players discuss playing Hindemith and there’s a tribute to the late US luthier Carl F. Becker. Plus, Mihaela Martin on Enescu, Simon Fischer on bowing and a report on lutherie in Afghanistan.
November-2013
Joshua Bell is on the cover of our North America-focused issue, which contains a detailed examination of his 1713 ‘Huberman’ Stradivari. We explore San Francisco’s chamber music scene, look back on the varied career of Harry Lookofsky, and report on the Banff string quartet competition. Plus, musicians discuss Britten’s string works and Tim Kliphuis gives tips on playing like Stéphane Grappelli.
October-2013
Jacques Thibaud, Fritz Kreisler and Pablo Casals adorn the cover of a special issue celebrating the great players of the past. It includes guest editor Steven Isserlis on Thibaud, Ivry Gitlis on Enescu and Gary Karr on Koussevitsky. Bonnie Hampton and Arnold Steinhardt recall their lessons with Casals and Szigeti respectively, and we look back on some of the 20th century’s lesser-known string stars.
September-2013
Violist and pedagogue Bruno Giuranna heads up an issue focused on teaching, in which we investigate the tuition of string quartets, the value of apprenticeships, and methods of teacher-training. Jean-Guihen Queyras gives a guide to Elgar’s Cello Concerto, there’s a practice diary from bassist Waldemar Schwiertz and Zakhar Bron lists his favourite things.
August-2013
US violist David Aaron Carpenter explains how he’s using star power to broaden the appeal of his instrument. We report on a Chinese music education programme inspired by El Sistema and look back at the life of Albert Spalding, one of the top violinists of his day. Plus, James Ehnes talks about Prokofiev and we appraise a 1658 Nicolò Amati violin.
June-2013
Raphael Wallfisch: the pragmatic cellist with a penchant for new works Vuillaume cello: the 1865 ‘Sheremetev’, one of the maker’s finest works Joseph Hague: we uncover the man behind a mysterious set of recordings Group teaching: different methods for injecting energy into rehearsasls Plus: a guide to antiquing instruments, a Masterclass on Britten, and a preview of the Stradivari exhibition at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum
April-2013
Violinist Christian Tetzlaff is the cover star of our German-themed issue, and we have ten copies of his latest CD to give away. We find out how to play the ‘Kreutzer’ Sonata like a Beethoven-era player and ask whether there is still a ‘German’ orchestral sound. Plus, musical insights from violist Nils Mönkemeyer, klezmer player Alicia Svigals and cello teacher Hans Rabus.
March-2013
We talk to the Calder Quartet, a foursome equally at home performing with punk bands as on the concert stage. Pedagogue Mimi Zweig advises on children’s first violin lessons, and Roger Hargrave concludes his look at the evolution of Baroque instruments. We also ask the question: should musicians ever perform for free?
February-2013
We talk to cellist Alisa Weilerstein and review her latest CD of Elgar and Carter concertos. This edition also includes a short video interview in which Weilerstein discusses the latter piece with the composer. There’s also a look at the bows of Persoit, hiring a publicist, and collaborative teaching.
January-2013
December-2012
November-2012
October-2012
September-2012
Teaching is the focus for this month's edition, in which we discover how Suzuki teaching has spread across the world in recent years. Lutherie pedagogues give their views on the contentious issue of studying restoration, and we consider the legacy of Francesco Geminiani, author of one of the earliest books on studying technique.
August-2012
Cellist Antonio Meneses graces the cover of this Latin American-themed issue, which includes features on string teaching in Venezuela and Colombia, lutherie in Mexico, Piazzolla’s string music and cellist Carlos Prieto’s favourite things. Plus, as he reaches his 90th birthday, violinist Ivry Gitlis looks back on his long career.
July-2012
In this issue, Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto discusses his experiments in sound, and we find out how Les 24 Violons du Roi – one of the first string orchestras – has been recreated. There’s a guide to busking, tips on teaching different styles, and interviews with final-year string students as they start their professional careers.
June-2012
This issue’s guest editor, violinist Hilary Hahn, has chosen a theme of ‘conversations’, in which members of the string world talk to people from other professions to discover new perspectives on their craft. Teachers give their thoughts on tackling difficult subjects with students, and in Masterclass, Jean-Guihen Queyras takes us through Bach’s Cello Suite no.5
April-2012
The members of the Brodsky Quartet talk about their love of experimentation, and Maxim Vengerov discusses his return to performing after years away. There’s also a report on Scottish fiddling, a rtrospective on viola player Frederick Riddle, and an analysis of violins in 17th-century Dutch artworks. Plus, Mats Lindström’s tips on playing cello scales.
March-2012
Germany is the theme for this issue, with an interview with player and teacher Antje Weithaas, a Masterclass with cellist Alban Gerhardt, and a report on the resurgence of lutherie in the Vogtland region. Plus, quartet members discuss the works of Wolfgang Rihm, and violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann explains his love for Beethoven’s late string quartets.
February-2012
Can professional players tell a Strad from a modern instrument in a blind test? We report on the experiment and its controversial findings. There’s also a discussion on the perils of teacher–student relationships and a look back at the life of master restorer René Morel, who died in December. Plus a report on dendrochronology.
January-2012
In an issue that takes ‘fresh thinking’ as its theme, we talk to UK-based duo 2Cellos, who secured a record deal and concert tour through the power of YouTube. We learn how particle-accelerator technology unlocked the secrets of a Guadagnini, and get the lowdown on using ‘extended techniques’ in playing.
December-2011
In an issue themed around money, we ask: How much could a violin cost you over a lifetime? Why do players pay huge sums without getting proper instrument checks? Can the Internet help you with project funding? Does a portfolio career make good financial sense? Plus: a Tasmin Little Masterclass, Stephan von Baehr’s workshop, movement exercises and lots more
November-2011
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, cellist and founder of the Silk Road Project, is the cover star for our North America-themed issue, which includes reports on the Marlboro summer festival and the Lafayette Quartet. Hilary Hahn gives her thoughts on the Ives Sonata no.3 and there’s an interview with Joseph Silverstein of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
October-2011
September-2011
In a special edition on teaching, we talk to psychologists and string instructors about how students react to words of feedback, encouragement and criticism. Cello pedagogue Aldo Perisot talks to his former student, Ralph Kirshbaum, and Thomas Kemp analyses Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht. Plus a look at a groundbreaking instrument scheme in South Africa.
August-2011
July-2011
This month’s issue features a detailed analysis of the ‘Plowden’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin, an interview with double bass pedagogue Evgeny Kolosov, an essay on the career of US violinist Maud Powell, tips on coping with desk partners, and interviews with Benjamin Hughes and Charles Mutter from the BBC Concert Orchestra.
June-2011
In our Benelux special, Dutch violinist Janine Jansen discusses her return to performing after an enforced break, there’s a focus on the string scene in Luxembourg and an examination of the Belgian string playing school. Mischa Elman is the subject of our Great Violinists feature, and William Conway advises on achieving balance in Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet.
May-2011
Violist and pedagogue Kim Kashkashian kicks off our viola special, in which we consider why this century is proving to be a halcyon era for the instrument. Steve Reich and David Harrington consider their myriad collaborations, there’s a focus on great violinist Jelly d’Arányi, and Peter Cropper hands on tips for playing Mozart’s K526 violin sonata.
April-2011
In our special focus on Germany, cellist Alban Gerhardt discusses Casals, fellow players and allowing imperfection. We look back at the career of violinist Georg Kulenkampff, and investigate lutherie in Markneukirchen. Igor Oistrakh recalls his past career as he reaches his 80th birthday, and John Goldsby explains how to interpret Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm.
March-2011
Stradivari’s ‘Messiah’, one of the most revered instruments ever made, gets a full appraisal including dendrochronological analysis. Fabio Biondi discusses Baroque performance and we examine the legacy of Czech violinist Jan KubelÃk. Plus, interviews with Harrison Birtwistle, Christian Tetzlaff, Baiba and Lauma Skride, Philip Dukes and Lesley Robertson, as well as Daniel Hope’s practice diary.
February-2011
Violinist Lisa Batiashvili discusses her empathy with Shostakovich’s music and we discover what happens when top instruments are stolen. We also visit the Amsterdam Cello Biennale, explore the history of gut strings and appraise the career of Russian pedagogue Yuri Yankelevich. Plus, Norman Lebrecht asks whether concertmasters have lost their punch.
January-2011
December-2010
In an issue themed around the question of ‘Real or fake’, we speak to Dutch violinist André Rieu and consider his impact on the world of popular classics. Experts talk about spotting a fake Stradivari and we investigate the fake Baroque works written by modern composers. Plus, interviews with Jack Liebeck, Christian Ferras and Sheila Nelson.
November-2010
Jascha Heifetz is the cover star of our North America-themed issue, in which we examine his career Stateside. We ask whether there’s such a thing as an American string sound and talk to visionary quartet Ethel. Plus, Joseph Curtin on the ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’, and luthier Carl Becker’s favourite things.
October-2010
September-2010
We investigate the success of Venezuela’s El Sistema education programme in an education-themed edition, which also examines how conservatoires are catering for jazz students and asks luthiers how they entered their profession. There’s a look at the legacy of Russian pedagogue Nelli Shkolnikova and Orin O’Brien describes exercises for the double bass.
August-2010
In a Spanish-themed issue, we talk to the Casals Quartet and celebrate the career of violinist Pablo de Sarasate. Ara Malikian presents a guide to flamenco violin and three experts give their perspectives on Spanish lutherie. Plus, an investigation into musicians’ use of beta-blockers – are they destroying string playing?
July-2010
John Dilworth gives a personal guide to identifying violins and Carlo Chiesa examines the spectacular 1736 ‘Cessole’, ‘Teja–Ferni’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’. We find out the best and worst airlines for travelling with instruments and bassist Gary Karr explains how to improve your technique by varying tempo. There’s also an interview with violinist Leila Josefowicz.
June-2010
Cellist Natalie Clein discusses Kodály, crossover and her musical ambitions, and we explore the treasures of Korea’s celebrated Chi-Mei collection. Levon Chilingirian talks about teaching in Venezuela, John Goldsby gives a Masterclass in jazz bass, and string stars analyse the fragile beauty of Schumann.
May-2010
In a special edition marking The Strad’s 120th anniversary, we look back at the origins of the magazine, profile Nicolò Paganini and trace the history of research using Stradivari’s ‘Betts’ violin. Plus, articles on top female soloists of yesteryear, Ruggiero Ricci’s tips on playing, and Ida Haendel on Bach’s Chaconne in D minor.
April-2010
The Artemis Quartet discuss Beethoven and the benefits of standing up to perform, and we examine how Rostropovich may have influenced Prokofiev. There’s a retrospective of Leonid Kogan’s career, and a Masterclass on Strauss’s Don Quixote. Plus, the results of a seven-year study into Stradivari’s varnish.
March-2010
We examine a tenor viola by Jacob Stainer that reveals his attention to detail and Italian influences. There are articles on violin concertos by Beethoven and Barber, interviews with Antoine Tamestit, Laurence Lesser and Nicholas Tzavaras, and Daniel Bernard Roumain gives tips on rock and hip-hop violin technique.
February-2010
We celebrate Ole Bull’s bicentenary by looking back at the Norwegian violinist’s career, and taking a detailed look at his famed ‘Del Gesù’. There’s a guide to buying tonewood, David Waterman discusses Schubert, and François Denis reveals the connections between violin arching and medieval architecture.
January-2010
December-2009
Violinist Gil Shaham explains his passion for Sarasate, we find out how the Nazis plundered priceless instruments and there’s a look back at the career of David Oistrakh. We also assess some recently rediscovered etudes by Otakar Sevcik. Plus, interviews with Donald and Alisa Weilerstein and maker Mads Hjorth.
November-2009
Hollywood’s unsung heroes come under the spotlight as we search out the string players on some of the movies’ greatest soundtracks. David Finckek talks about health matters, Leonidas Kavakos discusses Alban Berg and Jan Vogler and Mira Wang take part in Double Acts. Plus a report on the Credo Festival.
October-2009
September-2009
August-2009
July-2009
A 1717 Rogeri cello comes under the spotlight and we explore the career of violinist Henryk Szeryng. There’s a look at recordings of Bloch’s Schelomo, a c.1770 violin by Paolo Castello and an investigation into Hindemith’s relationship with the viola. Plus, Simon Fischer on how to ‘warm down’.
June-2009
Gary Karr gives tips on playing by touch alone, and Joseph Curtin begins a two-part exploration into the acoustic tones of Italian instruments. We examine the dazzling technique of Jascha Heifetz, explore unusual repertoire for quintet, and look back at the career of Szymon Goldberg, ‘the man who put Mozart on the map’.
May-2009
April-2009
March-2009
Yehudi Menuhin’s career comes under the spotlight and we report from the Eindhoven string competition. Steven Isserlis reveals his passion for Schumann, we hand on tips on buying an instrument and there’s a profile of the Sacconi Quartet. Plus, Peter Cropper discusses how to play Beethoven’s ‘Kreutzer’ Sonata.
February-2009
We examine the 1715 ‘Titian’ Stradivari using the latest technological methods, celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn’s birth and investigate the history of the Cretan lyra. Plus, a report from the VSA Competition, advice on commissioning instruments and an interview with the Paris-based Calvet Quartet.