March 2025

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.

March 2025 Cover

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From this month's magazine

Violinist James Ehnes: A journey with Bach

Canadian violinist James Ehnes combines his virtuosity and musical intelligence as he takes a deep dive into the Bach violin concertos – both extant and reconstructed. He speaks to Thomas May about this latest chapter in his multifaceted career

Out of the shadows: violin pedagogue D.C. Dounis

The Greek-born violinist and mandolinist D.C. Dounis was one of the most influential pedagogues of the 20th century, but his life and works still remain shrouded in mystery. Clifford Hall investigates why

Postcard from Hanover: Joseph Joachim Violin Competition

At the 2024 edition of the Joseph Joachim Violin Competition, Charlotte Gardner was treated to a masterclass in how a music contest can give its candidates a wholly positive experience

Online exclusive

James Ehnes

Violinist James Ehnes: an exclusive profile from The Strad’s archive, November 2007

Charismatic, honest, self-critical, and with an amazingly relaxed approach to performing, the Canadian virtuoso charms Michael Quinn in this archive interview from The Strad’s November 2007 issue

Cover story

James Ehnes courtesy Seattle Chamber Music Society 1L2A3554 (2025_01_18 14_51_17 UTC)

Violinist James Ehnes: A journey with Bach

Canadian violinist James Ehnes combines his virtuosity and musical intelligence as he takes a deep dive into the Bach violin concertos – both extant and reconstructed. He speaks to Thomas May about this latest chapter in his multifaceted career

Playing

Dounis_-_Age_20

Out of the shadows: violin pedagogue D.C. Dounis

The Greek-born violinist and mandolinist D.C. Dounis was one of the most influential pedagogues of the 20th century, but his life and works still remain shrouded in mystery. Clifford Hall investigates why

Lutherie

JTubbs shabby photo_enhanced-2

Bow maker James Tubbs: London Calling

2025-02-28T09:55:00+00:00

The British bow maker James Tubbs was born 190 years ago this month. John Basford looks back at his life, work and legacy to the bow making community

Technique

2024_11_GuyJohnston2024__c_FrancesMarshall5954 copy

Technique: Playing in the high register of the cello

Guy Johnston offers tips and exercises to improve playing in the cello’s high register

Masterclass

Alan Lai 1

Masterclass: Schumann Five Pieces in Folk Style op.102, first piece

2025-03-07T08:44:00+00:00

Cellist Trey Lee shares how a particular painting in London’s National Gallery provided his inspiration for this movement, which can be seen as a metaphor for life

Trade Secrets

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Trade Secrets: Varnish retouch

A method for layering pigments and shellac to reproduce the exact colour and thickness of an instrument’s varnish