December 2025
Johan Dalene talks about his latest album and we examine how Stradivari’s early violin patterns developed. There’s a look at creative health for musicians and anniversary tributes to Amaryllis Fleming and Simone Fernando Sacconi. Plus Sol Gabetta’s Sentimental Work.
Read more in The Strad
The Strad Calendar 2026: The Canimex Collection
Violin Bundle – 4 Books
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For string players and teachers, The Strad's Masterclass and Technique sections are a treasure trove of knowledge, information and playing advice. Some of the world's best-known teachers and soloists have given their top tips on how to get the best out of your instrument, and perform some of the greatest works in the repertoire.
Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ cello 1730 poster
Domenico Montagnana was possibly the greatest cello maker in history, and the 1730 'Farina' was made during the period when he was at the height of his powers. Unlike most Montagnana cellos, it has never been cut down and retains its original proportions. Now owned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the instrument has a very powerful sound with a wide array of colours. Previous owners have included May Mukle, one of the first successful female cello soloists.
'The abundant famous Venetian varnish is of a rich, dark red colour, with a fascinating array of textures and patinas. In the areas where the varnish has worn off, a beautiful golden amber ground is revealed. As with most uncut Montagnana cellos, the outline is wide in the upper bouts and corners, and deeply swept in at the C-bouts, with big, broad lower bouts.' - John Waddle and Steve Sirr in the July 2025 edition of The Strad.
'When making recordings, the sound engineer has to turn down my microphone because it sounds up to eight decibels louder than any other cello' - Ilya Finkelshteyn, principal cellist, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Find out how more than 30 luthiers collaborated to build a copy of the c.1730 ‘Farina’ in the November 2023 Strad magazine article, "COPYING A MONTAGNANA CELLO – Robin Aitchison reports from the annual Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop"
***Don't miss our Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
Cello Bundle
‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ 1741 poster
One of the most expensive violins in the world, the 1741 'Vieuxtemps' Guarneri 'del Gesù' was sold in 2012 for a sum in excess of $16 million. It has been given on lifetime loan to US violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. Among its illustrious former players was Henri Vieuxtemps; at his funeral it was carried behind the hearse on a velvet cushion, by fellow violinist Eugène Ysaÿe.
As well as full measurements, the back of this poster contains detailed CT scans, thickness maps and actual-size cross-sections of the archings. The violin still remains in a remarkable state of preservation, especially considering it has been in use for most of its life.
'The violin has a colossal range. I found I could play the entire repertoire, from Vivaldi to Sibelius to modern works, just on this one violin. It feels as though there’s colour in my fingertips' – Anne Akiko Meyers in the June 2018 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.
***Don't miss our NEW Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of the selection here***
