In this issue

‘WILLEMOTTE’ STRADIVARI VIOLIN 1734
Sam Zygmuntowicz examines a masterpiece from Stradivari’s late period, comparing it with other instruments such as the ‘Huberman’ and ‘Titian’

COACHING CHAMBER MUSIC
Graham Oppenheimer details some of the teaching strategies that have proved successful for players aged 8 to 18 at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester...

Recital For The Ages

Jascha Heifetz made his US debut a hundred years ago. The recital sealed the 16-year-old’s reputation as an astonishing and unruffled performer, set a new bar for violin playing and led to a season full of engagements and a recording contract.

9 mins

I Have To Appraise You Like I should

I have to appraise you like I should With the value of top-end instruments skyrocketing, should violin appraisers require a qualification to demonstrate their expertise? Insurers, dealers and experts all give their views

4 mins

Turkish Delights

Fewer than 20 years after its foundation, the Borusan Istanbul Symphony Orchestra is taking its place on the world stage. Tom Stewart finds out more as the ensemble – and two top soloists – prepare for a new season and a European tour

5 mins

A Landmark Celebration

Running from 8 to 29 October, the Beijing Music Festival celebrated its 20-year milestone in 2017. Nancy Pellegrini looks at two of the event’s highlights: the ten-hour orchestral marathon and violinist Maxim Vengerov’s world premiere

5 mins

Dual Inspiration

Cellist Sol Gabetta recalls the genesis of her new recording, a collaboration with mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli – and how their disparate talents played offeach other

5 mins

Jean-Guihen Queyras

For the French cellist, Haydn’s Concerto no.1 in C major brings back fond memories of an early tutor and a precious Rogeri cello

3 mins

Freedom Of Expression

In the run-up to Germany's federal election in September, freelance music teachers are campaigning to be treated the same way as full-time professors - but the drive for recognition is proving a struggle.

4 mins

‘Solo Playing Is Essential To The Identity Of The Section'

For berlin philharmonic first principal bassist matthew McDonald, the search to find his voice as a player has been inextricably entwined with the sound of the orchestra and its emphasis on individualistic playing. In converstion with Chole Cutts, he discusses the elusive processes behind his approach to his instrument.

9 mins

Adventures in Repertoire

Three decades as artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra have taught Richard Tognetti that necessity is the mother of invention, and invention is essential to the health of classical music. Chloe Cutts meets the Antipodean violinist in Sydney to talk commissions, modern string playing and the survival of contemporary repertoire

9 mins

Luthier ​​​​​​​Borja Bernabeu

I ’ve been based in Cremona for almost 20 years; I came for a visit and just stayed on. 

1 min

Mutual Understanding

A competition where the participants judge each other’s instruments makes for a lively, engaging atmosphere. Jan Špidlen, co-organiser of the International Violin Making Competition Prague, reports.

5 mins

From The Ground Up

Since time immemorial, makers have searched for the perfect varnish recipe, and take great care of the ground – but often fail to realise the importance of preparing the wood first. Christopher Jacoby gives a crash course in ‘ground prep’

5 mins

A Haven in the Heartland

In the aftermath of World War II, the Soviet regime dealt a crippling blow to lutherie in Bohemia and eastern Germany. Richard Ward describes how Bubenreuth in northern Bavaria became a refuge for violin makers – and a hotbed of production.

9 mins

Fear No More

Schoenberg’s string quartets – and his music in general – have a reputation for being feared and unfathomable, but, as Philip Clark reveals, this music has been celebrated in two recent recordings, each of which has taken a different historic cycle as its benchmark.

9 mins

James Ehnes Discusses His Recording Of The Walton Viola Concerto

With the BBC Symphony Orchestra Under Edward Gardner

4 mins

Heart Of The Matter

Dorothy DeLay brought compassion, humour and rigorous practice to her lessons during five decades that saw her teach two generations of string players. One hundred years after DeLay was born, Laurie Niles talks to Itzhak Perlman and other former students and assistants about her singular teaching style

10+ mins

My Space

A peek into lutherie workshops around the world.

1 min

Renaud Garcia-Fons

The Sarabande from Bach’s Fifth Cello Suite has a deeply personal resonance for the French bassist and composer – even though he’s never performed it in public

3 mins

The Road To New York

This season marks two years since Frank Huang became concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic. But, as Ken Smith discovers, the Chinese-born musician might have quit the violin as a teenager had it not been for the influence of Donald Weilerstein, who taught him to think beyond the technical proficiency encouraged by his ‘tiger mom’

8 mins

From Out Of The Dark

The 1732 ‘Armingaud, Fernández Blanco’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ is an excellent example of the maker’s late period. Frédéric Chaudière examines the instrument and tells the dramatic story of its rediscovery

8 mins

Patricia Kopatchinskaja Awarded CHF100,000 Swiss Music Prize

Moldovan-born Swiss violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja has been awarded the Grand Prix Suisse de Musique.

1 min

Natalie Clein

For the british cellist, Schubert's profound string quintet in C major D956 is filled with undiscovered secrets that can take a lifetime to unravel.

3 mins

Read all stories from The Strad

The Strad Magazine Description:

The leading stringed instrument magazine. Avidly read around the world by experts and enthusiasts alike, every month The Strad brings together the best for playing, teaching, making and enjoying.