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
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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.
