Lutherie – Page 26
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FocusThe Strad Calendar 2022: Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume viola 1867
This viola is regarded as an exceptionally pure and unique specimen among Vuillaume’s work
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FocusThe components of violin varnish
In this extract from November 2007, Joe Robson explores the history and methods of making violin varnish
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Premium ❘ FeatureStradivari varnish: Scarlet fever
How did Antonio Stradivari achieve the special deep red varnish colour that makes his later instruments so attractive? Joe Robson believes he has discovered both the composition and method for making it – and cracked one of the most enduring mysteries of the master maker. From the September 2018 issue
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Premium ❘ FeatureCremonese varnish: Shining example
A close look into the history and chemistry of varnish making can shed new light on the mysteries of classic Cremonese varnish, as Joe Robson explains, in this lutherie feature from November 2007
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FocusThe Strad Calendar 2022: Santo Serafin violin 1750
Santo Serafin’s refined style can be particularly seen on the scroll
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FocusDiscovering the composition of historical varnishes
In this extract from the October 2021 issue, Balthazar Soulier, Stefan Zumbühl and Christophe Zindel introduce their study of minerals historical varnishes
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FocusAnne-Sophie Mutter on fine and contemporary instruments
The Strad’s April 2020 issue cover star discusses performing on her own Strads and on newer violins
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FocusThe Strad Calendar 2022: Hendrik Jacobs cello 1696
One of the very few cellos made by Hendrik Jacobs himself, and the only Dutch instrument in the Calendar
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Premium ❘ FeatureRecipe for success: Stradivari’s varnish
The search for Stradivari’s varnish formula has continued since the 18th century, but there have been few scientific analyses of the varnish itself. Stewart Pollens reveals the results of his recent study of the varnish on five of Stradivari’s instruments, in this feature from May 2009
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Premium ❘ FeatureStradivari’s varnish: a chemical analysis
Jean-PhilIppe Echard and Balthazar Soulier reveal the results of their seven-year research into Stradivari’s varnish, using five of the master’s instruments from Paris’s Musée de la Musique. From April 2010
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NewsTwo gold medals awarded at 2021 Cremona Triennale violin making competition
Kazune Nemoto received the top prize in the cello section, while Guido Mariotto won for his double bass
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FocusThe Strad Calendar 2022: Giuseppe Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin c.1736
With a handsome, deeply reflective and broadly flamed maple back, this is the crown jewel in the Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation’s collection
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Gallery‘Noah’s Violin’ has successful Venice launch
A quartet of musicians from the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory performed Vivaldi on top of the floating instrument
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Premium ❘ FeatureHistorical varnishes: Beneath the surface
The inclusion of minerals in Italian varnishes from the 16th to mid-18th centuries has long been a source of speculation. Balthazar Soulier, Stefan Zumbühl and Christophe Zindel present the first results of a long-term study showing that key answers can be found in early German recipes
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Premium ❘ FeatureThe Strad Calendar 2022: Dutch treasures
The Strad Calendar 2022 showcases twelve of the finest instruments belonging to the Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation. Head of collection Frits Schutte outlines its work, while Hubert de Launay gives a tour of the riches
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Premium ❘ FeatureIn Focus: An 1847 violin by Agustí Altimira
Jordi Pinto details an instrument by the Catalan violin maker
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Premium ❘ FeatureTrade Secrets: Decorating a copy of a historical violin
Gold and silver leaf, glass powder and ink are all necessary in this detailed and complex process
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Premium ❘ FeatureMy Space: Yuji Kaneko
The luthier returned to Japan from Italy two years ago to establish a workshop in his home town
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Premium ❘ FeatureMaking Matters: In the light of experience
Most violin makers will have a UV cabinet in their workshop, but how many realise the differences between the light sources? In the first of two articles, Andreas Hampel and Andreas Hudelmayer examine several of the available options
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Premium ❘ FeatureOptical effects in Lutherie: Reflected Glories
Why do some instruments look completely different in varying kinds of light? In this lutherie feature from August 2013, Michael Molnar explains how an understanding of wood, varnish and their optical interactions can produce magical results