All Focus articles – Page 68
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FocusFrom The Strad Calendar 2018: Giuseppe Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin, 1742
Based in Cremona, the Friends of Stradivari network brings together instruments owned by collectors and stringed-instrument enthusiasts from around the world. The Strad Calendar 2018 celebrates twelve of these treasures, with this violin featuring in April. Text by John Dilworth
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FocusCase for the defence: latest developments in violin case manufacturing
As the protective features of violin cases grow ever more sophisticated, Tom Stewart looks at how the latest innovations stack up against more classic technology
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FocusFrom the archive: the Andrea Guarneri ‘Conte Vitale’ viola, 1676
These photos were published in the The Strad’s June 1989 alongside an article by John Dilworth, from which the below text is extracted
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FocusFrom the archive: the 'Betts' Stradivari of 1704
This photo was published in the The Strad May 1989 where it featured on the cover as well as being that issue’s poster. The accompanying article, from which the below is extracted, is written by Roger Hargrave. The photos are by Stewart Pollens
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FocusReverse engineering: explaining a Cremonese mystery by making the insides of the arches first
In his search for the secrets behind the classic arching technique of the Cremonese makers, Torbjörn Zethelius uncovered some revealing insights in this article from The Strad August 2006 issue. He will be returning to the topic in the November 2017 issue with observations from the intervening decade
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FocusFrom The Strad Calendar 2018: Giuseppe Guarneri ‘filius Andreae’ cello, c.1710
Based in Cremona, the Friends of Stradivari network brings together instruments owned by collectors and stringed-instrument enthusiasts from around the world. The Strad Calendar 2018 celebrates twelve of these treasures, starting in January with this cello. Text by John Dilworth
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FocusTrio Zimmermann discuss how forming the group has changed them as musicians
A decade after its founding, Trio Zimmermann has put the string trio back in the spotlight. How does this all-star ensemble function, and can it save the string trio from obscurity? Andrew Mellor went to meet its members
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FocusFrom the archive: A violin by G. B. Guadagnini, 1743, in the context of booming auction results
This photo was published in the January 1989 issue of The Strad as part of a round-up of London auction sales the previous November – Robert Lewin, a contributor to the Strad for over 40 years, diagnosed ‘violin fever’
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FocusHow I cope with the pressures of life as a soloist – double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku
The founder of Chineke!, Europe’s first professional majority Black and Minority Ethnic orchestra, reflects on how she keeps her own musical life grounded
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FocusWhat makes a concertmaster special?
Laurinel Owen explores the qualities and responsibilities that make orchestral leaders stand apart from the rest
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FocusRenaud Garcia-Fons on the Sarabande from Bach's Fifth Cello Suite
The Sarabande from Bach’s Fifth Cello Suite has a deeply personal resonance for the French bassist and composer – even though he’s never performed it in public
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FocusFrom the archive: a 1712 viola by Giovanni Grancino
Published in the January 1989 issue of The Strad and also featuring on its cover, these photos accompanied an article by Roger Hargrave, an extract of which appears below
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FocusViolin expertise and how to acquire it: Jacques Francais on the pitfalls of instrument identification
Legendary Manhattan-based French dealer, who died in 2004, with some words of wisdom first published in The Strad November 1988 issue. Interview by Stewart Pollens
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FocusFrom Mao to Mozart: Capturing Isaac Stern’s transformative effect on China’s classical music scene
Murray Lerner’s 1979 Academy Award-winning film documented the beginning of Isaac Stern’s enduring legacy in China. In this article from the August 2016 issue of The Strad, Nancy Pellegrini talks to son David Stern and some of the documentary’s stars about the ‘Stern effect’
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FocusDigital Amati: a computer program putting luthiers back in touch with ancient principles
A decade ago, François Denis’s Traité de Lutherie showed how the old Italians used Euclidean geometry to design their instruments. Now a computer program based on these principles allows luthiers to construct and adapt patterns quickly and easily. Its creator, Harry Mairson, explains the genesis of Digital Amati
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FocusFrom the archive: the 'David, Heifetz' 1742 Guarneri 'Del Gesù'
These photos were published in the December 1988 issue of The Strad in a special issue dedicated to Jascha Heifetz which also featured a poster of the violin. This is the accompanying text
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FocusMaking matters: ground prep
Since time immemorial, makers have searched for the perfect varnish recipe, and take great care of the ground – but often fail to realise the importance of preparing the wood first. Christopher Jacoby gives a crash course in ‘ground prep’
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FocusJeff Bradetich’s instruments: a 250-year-old Guadagnini and a modern bass made of old wood
The American double bass soloist talks about how each instrument fulfils different needs. Interview by Maggie Williams
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FocusFrom the archive: a 1748 Guadagnini cello
These photos were published in the November 1988 issue of The Strad along with an interview with the cello’s owner, Gilberto Munguía
