The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the July 2025 issue, which features Domenico Montagnana’s 1730 ‘Farina’ cello
The past few weeks have been a time of change for the stringed instrument world. Just days before we began work on this issue of The Strad, we received the news that the pre-eminent violin expert and dealer Charles Beare had died aged 87. His knowledge of fine instruments was unsurpassed and he is truly irreplaceable. We present an extensive tribute to Beare; Anne Inglis looks at his life and achievements, and we hear from leading voices in the string world – both players and makers – who benefited from his expertise and generous advice.
In early May, the Newark School of Violin Making announced that it would not be accepting students on to its degree course for the 2025–26 academic year – a decision that caused an outcry in the world of instrument making. While the situation is still evolving, we have devoted a special focus this issue to this internationally renowned school. Newark alumna Helen Michetschläger argues why every effort should be made to preserve the course, while Christian Lloyd reports from Newark’s annual Lutherie Day, which took place shortly before the news broke.
On our cover this month we showcase a fine cello – the Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ of 1730, which is notable both for its powerful tone and for the fact that it has survived the past 300 years without suffering major alterations. John Waddle and Steve Sirr examine its construction and history, which includes a string of colourful and influential owners and players.
This edition also features an interview with British violinist, composer and folk improviser Adam Summerhayes, who speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about his new violin concertos, his collaborations and his unusual violins, to which he has given even more unusual nicknames.
Also this issue, Thomas May profiles three US string quartets which have shaped the musical landscape since the turn of the millennium, and are celebrating significant anniversaries this year – Brooklyn Rider and the Miró and Jack quartets. And Gavin Dixon looks at the string music of the great Russian–Tatar composer Sofia Gubaidulina, who died earlier this year.
Emma Baker editor
Email me at thestrad@thestrad.com or tweet @TheStradMag
Issue summary
We examine the 1730 ‘Farina’ cello by Montagnana, and pay tribute to instrument expert Charles Beare, who died in April. There’s a look at adventurous US string quartets and an interview with British violinist–composer Adam Summerhayes. Plus a Dvořák Masterclass with Camden Shaw of the Dover Quartet.
Contents
DOMENICO MONTAGNANA ‘FARINA’ CELLO 1730 John Waddle and Steve Sirr examine a fine example of the Venetian master’s craft, giving a full account of its history and detailing its salient characteristics
ADAM SUMMERHAYES The British violinist and composer talks to Alexandra Petropoulos about folk influence, improvisation and the Andrea Guarneri he has nicknamed ‘Worm’
CHARLES BEARE 1937–2025 Anne Inglis looks back at the life of the British violin expert and dealer who died on 26 April, while friends, musicians and close colleagues give their tributes
AMERICAN STRING QUARTETS Three trailblazing US groups are celebrating anniversaries this year. Thomas May speaks to members of Brooklyn Rider and the Miró and Jack quartets
SESSION REPORT US violinist Nancy Zhou tells Charlotte Gardner about the inspiration behind her debut album Stories Re[traced] and how it represents ‘a tribute to human nature’
SOFIA GUBAIDULINA Gavin Dixon gives an detailed assessment of the string works written by the acclaimed Russian–Tatar composer, who died on 13 March
IN FOCUS Leonardo Cella examines a 1942 violin by Arturo Fracassi
TRADE SECRETS The first of a two-part article on creating neck graft sockets
MY SPACE Alan Beavitt of Scoraig, Scotland
MAKING MATTERS Creating a full string quartet with wood from the same tree
MASTERCLASS Camden Shaw, cellist of the Dover Quartet, on the second movement of Dvořák’s String Quartet no.12 ‘American’
TECHNIQUE US cellist Benjamin Whitcomb gives hints on using chords to aid fluency
LIFE LESSONS With US violist Stephen Upshaw
OPINION The implications of the Newark School of Violin Making potentially closing
POSTCARD FROM NEWARK A report from the town’s annual Lutherie Day
FROM THE ARCHIVE From July 1895
SENTIMENTAL WORK Ayanna Witter-Johnson discusses her love for Debussy’s Cello Sonata
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