The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the October 2024 issue, which features the Takács Quartet, Régis Pasquier, plus an introduction to the instruments of The Strad Calendar 2025
When the members of a string quartet change, it can be difficult to hold on to the character that made the group unique in the first place. Not so with the distinguished ensemble the Takács Quartet, which was formed in 1975 in Budapest. The only remaining member from the original line-up is now the cellist, András Fejér, yet somehow the ensemble has kept its distinctive musical personality and its ‘fifth voice’. Pauline Harding speaks to the foursome – cellist Fejér, Edward Dusinberre, first violin with the quartet since 1993, and second violin Harumi Rhodes and violist Richard O’Neill – both relatively recent additions – about their 50th anniversary celebration plans for the 2024–25 season and what keeps them evolving as a group.
Also this issue, Jessica Duchen travels to Paris to speak with the veteran French violinist Régis Pasquier, who celebrates his 79th birthday this October. Part of a musical dynasty, Pasquier is full of wonderful anecdotes about the musicians he and the members of his family have collaborated with, from Messiaen and Menuhin to Thibaud, Oistrakh, Milstein and Stern.
There are countless ‘teach yourself’ books available for aspiring keyboard players and guitarists, but is it possible to teach yourself the violin? Author and violin teacher Celia Cobb would have said it definitely wasn’t, until she came across a new book that changed her mind (up to a point). She explores the pros and cons of being a self-taught string player.
The October issue is also an opportunity to look forward to the new year with the publication of The Strad Calendar. For 2025, the spotlight falls on the collection of the Canada Council for the Arts which, through its Musical Instrument Bank, matches fine instruments and players via a competition. Christian Lloyd takes us through the history of twelve of the organisation’s exceptional instruments. Order The Strad Calendar 2025 now.
Emma Baker editor
Email me at thestrad@thestrad.com or tweet @TheStradMag
Issue summary
The current members of the Takács Quartet discuss the group’s 50th anniversary and we ask whether it’s possible to teach yourself the violin. French violinist Régis Pasquier shares some stories from his long career and we examine the career of luthier Amedeo Simonazzi. Plus interviews with Alexander Baillie, Matthew Barley and Alexander Sitkovetsky.
Contents
TAKÁCS QUARTET AT 50 This season marks the acclaimed chamber group’s half-century. Pauline Harding finds out how the current players keep up the spirit of the original line-up
AMEDEO SIMONAZZI One of the most important luthiers from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, he became a key figure in its strong musical tradition, as Stefano Pio explains
RÉGIS PASQUIER Jessica Duchen meets the veteran French violinist, who in his varied career has met everyone from Jacques Thibaud and David Oistrakh to Stéphane Grappelli
SESSION REPORT British cellist Matthew Barley tells Charlotte Gardner how his latest album Light Stories became one of his most personal projects to date
THE STRAD CALENDAR 2025 Next year the Canada Council for the Arts celebrates 40 years since the founding of its Musical Instrument Bank. Christian Lloyd examines some of the treasures
SELF-TAUGHT STRING PLAYING Is it really possible to teach oneself to play the violin? Celia Cobb examines a new approach from an author and teacher who claims it can be done
IN FOCUS A c.1750 violin by Michele Deconet
TRADE SECRETS A method for preparing the surface of instrument plates before varnishing
MY SPACE Hong Kong luthier Corvus Kwok
MAKING MATTERS A system of calculating the weight ratios of an instrument’s various parts
MASTERCLASS Yuri Zhislin discusses the first movement of Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata as performed on the viola
TECHNIQUE Violinist Lucie Robert gives hints and tips on expressive fingering
LIFE LESSONS British cellist Alexander Baillie
OPINION How should teachers deal with parents who buy cheap instruments online?
POSTCARD FROM SCOTLAND A report from the 2024 East Neuk Music Festival
FROM THE ARCHIVE Reflections on the orchestral format, from October 1934
SENTIMENTAL WORK Alexander Sitkovetsky on his love for the Bach ‘Double’ Concerto
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