August-2020
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.
