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Making Matters: Strategies to fix wolf notes
My Space: Dínçay Gülenç’s Istanbul workshop
Book review: Lessons in Gratitude: A Memoir on Race, The Arts and Mental Health
Book review: Mexican Folk Fiddle Tunes
Book review: Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life
New Holocaust documentary features music performed on a violin that survived Auschwitz
The documentary film The Lost Music of Auschwitz commemorates 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp
LA Phil cancels concerts, as musicians lose homes in wildfires
The ongoing fires continue to affect the orchestra’s musicians and staff, while a fundraiser has been set up to help an LA Phil violinist whose home was lost in the Eaton Fire
Bryony Gibson-Cornish: How I acquired my dream Amati viola
Bryony Gibson-Cornish, violist with the Marmen Quartet, explains the remarkable chain of events that led her to acquire her dream instrument – a 1610 Brothers Amati viola – thanks to the Stradivari Trust
Playing Hub
For cello, by cellists: how six new cello pieces celebrate the versatile identity of the cello
Who better to write music for cello than cellists themselves? Ben Michaels writes about commissioning six solo cello pieces by cellists, which he will premiere on 21 January 2025
Music in Millport: How being ‘human’ as a teacher inspired a small isle’s music community
In 2024, Arianna Ranieri spearheaded an initiative to provide accessible music tuition for adult learners in rural Scotland. She shares her approach that has united a community through a love of music making
Bryony Gibson-Cornish: How I acquired my dream Amati viola
Bryony Gibson-Cornish, violist with the Marmen Quartet, explains the remarkable chain of events that led her to acquire her dream instrument – a 1610 Brothers Amati viola – thanks to the Stradivari Trust
Remembering the legendary violinist Nathan Milstein
On the 121st anniversary of the birth of the great Russian–American violinist Nathan Milstein on 13 January 1904, Robert Levin shares his personal recollections of hearing, meeting and eventually studying with the virtuoso
Family treasures: Leopold van der Pals
At the turn of the millennium, a young Scandinavian cellist discovered he had an illustrious musical forebear. Since then, a treasury of previously unperformed music has come to light. Andrew Mellor speaks to cellist Tobias van der Pals about his great-great-uncle Leopold’s legacy
‘See each concert as the most important one in your life’ - Daniel Hope’s life lessons
The violinist on his many influences and what is at the heart of a musician’s career
Premium ❘ Feature
Making Matters: Strategies to fix wolf notes
Eliminating a wolf note can be the bane of every luthier’s life. Linda Lespets passes on four methods that can help to solve the problem
Premium ❘ Feature
My Space: Dínçay Gülenç’s Istanbul workshop
The luthier takes us on a tour of his Turkish workshop
Premium ❘ Feature
Making Matters: Strategies to fix wolf notes
Eliminating a wolf note can be the bane of every luthier’s life. Linda Lespets passes on four methods that can help to solve the problem
Premium ❘ Focus
Opinion: AI vs live performance?
Even with the proliferation of technology such as generative AI in the music industry, violist Toby Deller believes there will always be a strong human need to experience live performance
Premium ❘ Focus
Postcard from Lesbos: Molyvos International Music Festival
On the Greek island of Lesbos, the Molyvos International Music Festival offers live chamber music to a diverse international audience, as Claire Jackson discovered
Competitions
13-year-old violinist wins $20k first prize at Cooper International Competition
Swiss violinist Edna Unseld scooped an impressive prize package, which also includes a two-year loan of an Italian violin, career mentorship and a future performance engagement
Premio Paganini: 70 years of violin excellence
Find out everything you need to know and apply for the 58th edition of the Premio Paganini, which will take place from 14 to 26 October 2025 in Genoa
Elster Trio wins the Polytechnical Society eV Chamber Music prize
The Frankfurt-based ensemble receives €5,000
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Donghoon Shin’s new viola concerto for Amihai Grosz
D flat major forms the basis of a new viola concerto
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: January 2025
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Masterclass: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, first movement
Although this concerto is a well-known staple of the repertoire, violinists can still find opportunities to explore refreshing interpretations in this movement, says Paul Huang
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, first movement
Although this concerto is a well-known staple of the repertoire, violinists can still find opportunities to explore refreshing interpretations in this movement, says Paul Huang
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Havanaise op.83
Violinist Max Baillie gives smart and efficient practice tips to showcase a piece for violin and orchestra that juxtaposes lyricism with virtuosic passagework
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to practise effectively with violinist Ray Chen
The first in our new four-part education themed podcast series features our September 2024 cover star
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
Competitions
13-year-old violinist wins $20k first prize at Cooper International Competition
Swiss violinist Edna Unseld scooped an impressive prize package, which also includes a two-year loan of an Italian violin, career mentorship and a future performance engagement
Premio Paganini: 70 years of violin excellence
Find out everything you need to know and apply for the 58th edition of the Premio Paganini, which will take place from 14 to 26 October 2025 in Genoa
Elster Trio wins the Polytechnical Society eV Chamber Music prize
The Frankfurt-based ensemble receives €5,000
Watch: a 1981 Leonid Kogan Paganini performance with restored audio and video
Daniel Kurganov has remastered the entirety of Kogan’s performance of Paganini Violin Concerto no.1
Watch: a 1981 Leonid Kogan Paganini performance with restored audio and video
Tommy Mesa performs Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1
Watch: Philharmonia Orchestra musicians play a festive string quintet
Watch: New violin-playing robot specialises in Indian music
Verdi’s La Forza del Destino for double bass and piano
![Bach_fuga_Artwork[DIGITAL]](https://dnan0fzjxntrj.cloudfront.net/Pictures/270x180/0/7/0/37070_bach_fuga_artworkdigital_132645_crop.jpg)
Bach’s Fugue from Violin Sonata no.2… played on double bass!
Trailer: New Netflix documentary celebrates the NY Phil’s first full-time female musician
New video: Abel Selaocoe performs ‘calm and serene’ Bach
Jordan Bak plays the ‘Silver Leaf Fiddle’ by Andrew Carruthers
Lera Auerbach’s ‘T’filah’ performed by violinist Christine Bernsted
- Previous
- Next
Making Matters: Strategies to fix wolf notes
Eliminating a wolf note can be the bane of every luthier’s life. Linda Lespets passes on four methods that can help to solve the problem
My Space: Dínçay Gülenç’s Istanbul workshop
The luthier takes us on a tour of his Turkish workshop
Trade Secrets: A new approach to bracing flat-back instruments
This system of ‘responsive bracing’ allows for the natural movement of the wood
‘A perfect mind obsessed with understanding the quality of violins’: a tribute to George Stoppani
The Strad’s lutherie consultant Philip Ihle recalls the analytical methods of his friend and colleague, who died on 25 December 2024
Stars of Africa: South African tonewood
Wood physicist Martina Meincken presents the results of a study investigating whether indigenous woods of southern Africa might be suitable for use as tonewood for instruments
British luthier George Stoppani has died
An acknowledged expert in instrument acoustics, he was 75 years old
Making Matters: Strategies to fix wolf notes
Eliminating a wolf note can be the bane of every luthier’s life. Linda Lespets passes on four methods that can help to solve the problem
My Space: Dínçay Gülenç’s Istanbul workshop
The luthier takes us on a tour of his Turkish workshop
Trade Secrets: A new approach to bracing flat-back instruments
This system of ‘responsive bracing’ allows for the natural movement of the wood
‘A perfect mind obsessed with understanding the quality of violins’: a tribute to George Stoppani
The Strad’s lutherie consultant Philip Ihle recalls the analytical methods of his friend and colleague, who died on 25 December 2024
Stars of Africa: South African tonewood
Wood physicist Martina Meincken presents the results of a study investigating whether indigenous woods of southern Africa might be suitable for use as tonewood for instruments
British luthier George Stoppani has died
An acknowledged expert in instrument acoustics, he was 75 years old
Concert review: Belcea Quartet, Tabea Zimmermann (viola)
Tim Homfray visits London’s Wigmore Hall on 18 October 2024 for the performance of Mozart’s C minor String Quintet K406
Concert review: Isabelle Faust (violin) London Symphony Orchestra/Thomas Adès
Peter Quantrill reviews the performance of Ondřej Adámek at London’s Barbican Hall on 31 October 2024
Concert review: Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello) Sinfonia of London/John Wilson
Tim Homfray visits London’s Barbican Hall on 15 October 2024 for the performance of Shostakovich, Kenneth Hesketh and Rachmaninoff
Mischa Elman: Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi
A journey down memory lane in the company of a great violinist
Malion Quartet: Departure
A quartet to watch, as this inventive programme proves
Gabriel Schwabe: Beethoven
A Beethoven cycle concludes with aplomb
Book review: Lessons in Gratitude: A Memoir on Race, The Arts and Mental Health
Lauren Wesley-Smith reviews the memoir of Sphinx Organization founder Aaron P. Dworkin
Book review: Mexican Folk Fiddle Tunes
David Lasserson reviews the latest in Schott Music’s series on world music styles, compiled by Julia Chardavoine, Diego Brossollet Hernández and César Iván Juárez-Joyner
Book review: Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life
Mathew Lee reviews Jennifer Roig-Francolí’s book based on her ‘Art of Freedom Method’, with a healthy dose of Alexander technique
Debate
Opinion: AI vs live performance?
Even with the proliferation of technology such as generative AI in the music industry, violist Toby Deller believes there will always be a strong human need to experience live performance
Opinion: Solving issues with your students’ parents over coffee
When issues arise that aren’t easily solved during lesson time, cellist and teacher Naomi Yandell finds that taking a pupil’s parent or guardian out for a coffee and a chat on neutral territory can be time well spent
Debate
Opinion: AI vs live performance?
Even with the proliferation of technology such as generative AI in the music industry, violist Toby Deller believes there will always be a strong human need to experience live performance
Opinion: Solving issues with your students’ parents over coffee
When issues arise that aren’t easily solved during lesson time, cellist and teacher Naomi Yandell finds that taking a pupil’s parent or guardian out for a coffee and a chat on neutral territory can be time well spent
Accessories
Products January 2025: D’Addario Eclipse rechargeable cello and bass tuner
A new tuner in the company’s wide range
Products January 2025: Peter Infeld cello strings
The long-standing range now includes a cello set
Products January 2025: VoiceUp soundpost
A new carbon-fibre soundpost focused on adjustability
Concert review: Belcea Quartet, Tabea Zimmermann (viola)
Tim Homfray visits London’s Wigmore Hall on 18 October 2024 for the performance of Mozart’s C minor String Quintet K406
Concert review: Isabelle Faust (violin) London Symphony Orchestra/Thomas Adès
Peter Quantrill reviews the performance of Ondřej Adámek at London’s Barbican Hall on 31 October 2024
Concert review: Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello) Sinfonia of London/John Wilson
Tim Homfray visits London’s Barbican Hall on 15 October 2024 for the performance of Shostakovich, Kenneth Hesketh and Rachmaninoff
Book review: Lessons in Gratitude: A Memoir on Race, The Arts and Mental Health
Lauren Wesley-Smith reviews the memoir of Sphinx Organization founder Aaron P. Dworkin
Book review: Mexican Folk Fiddle Tunes
David Lasserson reviews the latest in Schott Music’s series on world music styles, compiled by Julia Chardavoine, Diego Brossollet Hernández and César Iván Juárez-Joyner
Book review: Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life
Mathew Lee reviews Jennifer Roig-Francolí’s book based on her ‘Art of Freedom Method’, with a healthy dose of Alexander technique
Mischa Elman: Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi
A journey down memory lane in the company of a great violinist
Malion Quartet: Departure
A quartet to watch, as this inventive programme proves
Gabriel Schwabe: Beethoven
A Beethoven cycle concludes with aplomb
Artists
Music for our time: violinist Paul Huang on his new album ‘Mirrors’
The violinist speaks to The Strad about a musical journey that he hopes inspires listeners to ponder the past, present and future
Violinist Ning Feng: Truth and substance
There is seemingly nothing the Chinese-born, Berlin‑based violinist Ning Feng can’t do, from dazzling Paganini interpretations to Bach to 20th‑century concertos. He talks to Michael White about his influences, his future plans and his desire to pass on his musical wisdom to the next generation
‘Not bad’ meant ‘Very, very good!’: what was Leonid Kogan like as a violin teacher?
The distinguished French violinist and quartet leader Isabelle Flory studied with Leonid Kogan at the Moscow Conservatoire for three years. She shares her memories of his teaching methods
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