The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the July issue, in which we delve into the dramatic rediscovery of the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
Every now and then, a great violin emerges out of the shadows, but when it does, its arrival is seldom met with complete certainty. This issue, our cover story tells of the discovery of the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’, believed lost until it was brought to the workshop of Frédéric Chaudière. He recounts the heart-stopping moment when he realised just what he might be holding in his hands, followed by the long and challenging journey to authentication, a process that can test even the most experienced eyes.
Also in lutherie this month, Gennady Filimonov examines the life and work of a more modern craftsman: Frank Kovanda, an American luthier and latterly bow maker, whose clients included some of the 20th century’s greatest string players.
This past March, the great double bassist François Rabbath celebrated his 95th birthday – a milestone for a musician who has transformed our understanding of what can be done on the instrument. Naomi Yandell speaks to five leading bassists who benefited from his teaching, and from his unique and imaginative approach to creating sound.
July also marks 100 years since the death of Irish-born composer Charles Wood. Although he is best known for his choral music, and as an influential teacher – his pupils included Ralph Vaughan Williams, Arthur Bliss and Herbert Howells – he also had an affinity for writing for strings. Jeremy Dibble examines Wood’s string music, and in particular the six completed string quartets.
The music world was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of the distinguished violinist and conductor Günter Pichler in April. Leader of the Alban Berg Quartet and a beloved mentor, he taught several generations of string quartets and chamber musicians. He will be greatly missed. Tully Potter takes a valedictory look at his life, work and lasting influence.
Emma Baker editor
Email me at thestrad@thestrad.com
Issue summary
We examine the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin and look back at the life of the late quartet leader and pedagogue Günter Pichler. There’s a 95th birthday tribute to bassist François Rabbath and a Mozart Masterclass. Plus Life Lessons with Gary Hoffman and Liya Petrova’s Sentimental Work.
Contents
1742 ‘ROVELLI’ GUARNERI ‘DEL GESÙ’ VIOLIN Once thought lost, this instrument could be regarded as a twin to the ‘Alard’ Guarneri from the same year. Frédéric Chaudière tells the story of its rediscovery
GÜNTER PICHLER 1940–2026 The violinist, conductor, pedagogue and founder of the Alban Berg Quartet died on 24 April aged 85. Tully Potter looks back at his life and career
FRANÇOIS RABBATH To mark the celebrated double bassist’s 95th birthday, former students speak to Naomi Yandell about his legendary tone production and teaching methods
MINDFULNESS FOR MUSICIANS Berenice Beverley Zammit explores how awareness of the present moment can have a transformative effect on players’ performance and wellbeing
SESSION REPORT Viola da gamba player Caroline Nicolas talks to Charlotte Gardner about her new album of French repertoire from the late 17th and early 18th centuries
FRANK KOVANDA Gennady Filimonov looks at one of the best-known 20th-century US bow makers, who counted Heifetz, Menuhin, Kreisler and Primrose among his clientele
CHARLES WOOD STRING QUARTETS Best known for his church music, the Irish-born composer also wrote highly regarded chamber works. Jeremy Dibble marks the 100th anniversary of his death
IN FOCUS A 1757 violin by Joan Guillamí I
TRADE SECRETS Luthier Johannes Jacobs gives his varnish recipe and method of application
MY SPACE Maltese-based luthier Charlo Xuereb
MAKING MATTERS A new analysis of Stradivari’s wood, to determine evidence of treatment
MASTERCLASS Arnaud Sussmann gives his thoughts on playing the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Sonata in B flat major K454
TECHNIQUE Petr Holman gives tips on helping students switch from the violin to the viola
LIFE LESSONS The memories and opinions of US–Canadian cellist Gary Hoffman
OPINION Why playing from memory can deepen a musician’s understanding of a piece
POSTCARD FROM SAN FRANCISCO The 2026 American String Teachers Association conference
FROM THE ARCHIVE From July 1906
SENTIMENTAL WORK Liya Petrova on the Walton Violin Concerto
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