The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the March 2025 issue, starring the versatile Canadian violinist and violist James Ehnes
This March, we celebrate the many talents of our cover star, the Canadian violinist and violist James Ehnes. He has certainly been busy of late, recording several new albums as well as sharing the news that his long-standing artistic directorship with the Seattle Chamber Music Society has been extended for another eight years. But it’s his in-depth exploration of the Bach violin concertos with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa that is the main focus of his conversation with Seattle-based Thomas May. The concertos are released on a double album this month, and it will be intriguing to hear how he has brought his impeccable technique and seemingly effortless musicianship to these great works.
Also this issue, we celebrate two great – but very different – historical figures. The cellist Zara Nelsova (another Canadian by birth) was celebrated for her glorious tone and commanding and glamorous stage presence. She was also an inspiring teacher at the Juilliard School for nearly 40 years, where she was renowned for the clarity of her message. Oskar Falta tells her life story and considers her legacy.
Then there is the mysterious D.C. Dounis – one of the most influential yet secretive pedagogues of the last century. A violinist and mandolinist himself, he nevertheless taught all types of string players and a few pianists too. Dr Dounis was famously discreet about his pupils and it’s even rumoured that Heifetz visited his studio in disguise. Clifford Hall examines his methods.
In lutherie, John Basford looks at the life and works of the Victorian-era, London-based bow maker James Tubbs – one of the most important makers that Britain has ever produced – and examines why his bows are still admired today. And finally, Christian Pabst explains the methods of constructing instruments as described by 18th-century luthier Antonio Bagatella, in a detailed treatise that has survived to this day and which shines a light on the techniques of the great Italian makers of the time.
Emma Baker editor
Email me at thestrad@thestrad.com or tweet @TheStradMag
Issue summary
We talk to Canadian virtuoso James Ehnes and pay tribute to the work of British bow maker James Tubbs. There’s a retrospective of Zara Nelsova’s career and a Masterclass on the first of Schumann’s Five Pieces in Folk Style. Plus Julia Fischer’s Life Lessons and Fabio Biondi’s Sentimental Work.
Contents
JAMES EHNES The Canadian violinist speaks to Thomas May about everything from chamber music to string teaching, as well as his new double album of Bach violin concertos
D.C. DOUNIS One of the 20th century’s most influential pedagogues, the Greek-born violinist rarely talked about himself. Clifford Hall sifts through the evidence of his life
JAMES TUBBS Born 190 years ago, he was regarded as one of Britain’s most important bow makers – and still is. John Basford explains why his bows are still sought after
SESSION REPORT The Bulgarian-born violinist Liya Petrova tells Emma Baker about her new recording of Korngold’s Violin Concerto and Strauss’s Violin Sonata
ZARA NELSOVA Oskar Falta looks back at the life of the Canadian-born cellist, who enjoyed a successful solo career and an enduring teaching position at the Juilliard School
ANTONIO BAGATELLA Though the 18th-century luthier made few instruments, his treatise on lutherie proved seminal. Christian Pabst examines his work and explains its importance
IN FOCUS An 1893 violin made by the prolific Scottish luthier Alexander Smillie
TRADE SECRETS Gary Vessel demonstrates his painstaking method of varnish retouch
MY SPACE Camille Dolibeau of Amsterdam
MAKING MATTERS An intricate restoration job involving CT scans and a CNC router
MASTERCLASS Trey Lee discusses the first piece in Schumann’s Five Pieces in Folk Style
TECHNIQUE Guy Johnston passes on tips on playing in the high register of the cello
LIFE LESSONS The memories and opinions of German violinist Julia Fischer
OPINION String teachers should try to be inspirational rather than prescriptive
POSTCARD FROM HANOVER Report from the 2024 Joseph Joachim Violin Competition
FROM THE ARCHIVE From March 1915
SENTIMENTAL WORK Fabio Biondi talks about his love for Berlioz’s Roméo et Juliette
The number one source for playing and teaching books, guides, CDs, calendars and back issues of the magazine.
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
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