The Modigliani Quartet discusses directing festivals, the challenges of performing schubert and the benefits of collaboration

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MODIGLIANI QUARTET: Charlotte Gardner speaks to the four players about their diverse interests, from running festivals to collaborating with a myriad of other musicians

CHARLES FRANÇOIS GAND: Although the French luthier’s output was small, his instruments have undoubted beauty. Florent Boyer presents an in-depth examination of his work

NIKOLAJ SZEPS-ZNAIDER: Having made his name as a violinist, the Danish virtuoso has spent more than a decade perfecting his conducting skills. Andrew Mellor discusses his latest role

SESSION REPORT: In her new recording of Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire, Patricia Kopatchinskaja takes the role of narrator as well as violinist. Toby Deller finds out more

EVOLUTION OF THE BOW: How did bows develop their signature internal curves? Paolo Sarri shows how it was a combination of necessity, mechanics and basic simplicity for makers

CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES: The violinist, conductor, army officer and champion fencer took 18th-century France by storm. Kevin MacDonald delves into his rollicking history

In our regular sections:

In the issue’s Masterclass Simon Standage presents a guide to the first two movements of Bach’s Violin Sonata in E major BWV1016; in Technique violist Nils Mönkemeyer gives tips on producing melodic string-crossings; American cello teacher Nancy Green shares her personal memories in Life Lessons; plus in Sentimental Work cellist Camille Thomas discusses Fazil Say’s concerto ‘Never Give Up’.  

We inspect a 1675 Antonio Casini violin in In Focus; in Trade Secrets Nicolas Gilles shows how to make a simple device for grinding pigments; My Space looks behind the scenes in the workshop of Angers-based luthier Marcus Klimke; and in Making Matters Ulf Kloo explains how to adjust the back thickness on an instrument that’s already been set up.

We also bring you news of the latest products and auctions, plus our regular analysis and opinion columns, and comprehensive reviews of concerts, CDs and books. Simply go to the current issue to explore the full content listing. 

Plus, in your digital edition: 

  • View more photos from the Royal Danish Opera’s production of The Magic Flute, conducted by Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider
  • More from the workshop of Angers-based luthier Marcus Klimke in My Space
  • A photo gallery of images from Patricia Kopatchinskaja’s daring recording of Pierrot Lunaire 
  • Concert reviews: photos from the London Symphony Orchestra’s socially distanced performance at the Royal Festival Hall; and the Brodsky Quartet’s concert at Kings Place
  • And of course, clips clips from the three ’The Strad Recommends’ recordings

The digital magazine and print edition are on sale now, or subscribe to access the entire magazine online here.

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