February 2020 issue

The Ébène Quartet marks its 20th anniversary with a worldwide Beethoven tour and live recordings, and talks about the challenge of finding a new violist | February 2020 issue | The Strad

To access the digital edition and archive of digital issues back to January 2010 you need to subscribe.

If you have a subscription sign in here.

Cover features

Ébène Quartet: The Freedom of Instability

Currently making international appearances to mark Beethoven’s 250th birthday as well as celebrating 20 years since its foundation, the Ébène Quartet is riding high now that violist Marie Chilemme has become an established member. But, the players tell Charlotte Gardner, replacing former violist Mathieu Herzog was no easy matter following ...

Vuillaume's Early Years: The Making of a Master

Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume was the most successful French luthier of his time, but the first years of his career are still shrouded in mystery. Jonathan Marolle examines some of his earliest instruments to uncover the evolution of his technique and style

Jerry Horner: A Virtuoso Teacher

In February last year, former Fine Arts Quartet violist Jerry Horner died at the age of 83. China Conservatory of Music violin professor and past Horner student James Dickenson reflects on the career and teaching legacy of a fine mentor, drawing on interviews with Horner’s students and colleagues, and with ...

Michel Collichon: The Magnificent Ten

Just a handful of instruments by Michel Collichon have survived to the present day – but they demonstrate the skill and techniques of a master innovator. With a tenth example recently identified, Shem Mackey explains the appeal of the 17th-century viol maker to modern-day luthiers

Retirement from Performance: A Change of Pace

Is there a time when we should admit defeat, acknowledge our age and put our instruments away for good? Or is it possible to keep enjoying, playing and sharing music forever? Pauline Harding talks to musicians young and old about falling standards, failing physiques and a joy of playing music ...

Cover story

Ébène Quartet: The Freedom of Instability

Playing

Session Report: Violinist Johan Dalene makes his recording debut

For his debut album as an exclusive BIS artist, Johan Dalene – teenage winner of last year’s Carl Nielsen International Competition – has not shied away from ambitious and much-loved repertoire. He and producer Jens U. Braun recall the recording process

Lutherie

An almost perfect success story: the evolution of Vuillaume

Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume was the most successful French luthier of his time, but the first years of his career remain shrouded in mystery. Jonathan Marolle examines some of his earliest instruments to uncover the evolution of his technique and style