Cover story
Violinist Arabella Steinbacher: angels and demons
Pauline Harding hears from the German violinist about her cathartic journey into the darkest depths and brightest heights of Lentz’s Violin Concerto, its pairing with Beethoven on her latest recording and the impact of motherhood on music making
Playing
From screen to strings: concert works by screen composers
Rita Fernandes presents a curated list of string works by ten composers best known for their screen work, as well as interviews with composers and players
Lutherie
Dual accomplishments: the makers of Markneukirchen
The workshops of Markneukirchen and its environs made thousands of violins per year – but many were crafted by true artisans. Bruce Babbitt explains how these violins became the basis for a new book and exhibition charting their evolution
Technique
Technique: Finding the right bass technique for you
Why double bass technique needs to be tailored to the physicality of the individual player
Masterclass
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto no.3 in B minor, first movement
Violinist Benjamin Beilman explores how to navigate the athletic virtuosity of a work that requires the soloist to have firm technical and musical command
Trade Secrets
Trade secrets: External crack repair using silk
Sharon Que provides an innovative solution to a common – and tricky – repair problem