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December
Johan Dalene talks about his latest album and we examine how Stradivari’s early violin patterns developed. There’s a look at creative health for musicians and anniversary tributes to Amaryllis Fleming and Simone Fernando Sacconi. Plus Sol Gabetta’s Sentimental Work.
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From this month's magazine
A youthful spirit: violinist Johan Dalene
The young Swedish violin virtuoso Johan Dalene speaks to Jessica Duchen about his evolution as a musician, his passion for contemporary music and his latest album that pairs the Bruch and Mendelssohn concertos
Forms follow function: early Stradivari violin patterns
Unlike his contemporaries, Antonio Stradivari was trying out different violin patterns from the start of his career as a luthier. Philip Ihle examines a number of his early violins to discover how his art evolved
Postcard from Canada: Banff International String Quartet Competition
At the Banff International String Quartet Competition, Rita Fernandes heard some of today’s top young ensembles, each with its own personality
December 2025: Editor’s welcome and contents
The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the December 2025 issue starring Swedish violinist Johan Dalene, who has released his sixth album at the age of only 25
Masterclass: Brahms Cello Sonata no.1 in E minor op.38, third movement
This fugal final movement requires elements of restraint where climaxes must be managed carefully, says cellist Steffan Morris
Making Matters: how to care for your bow hair
Musicians might not realise how important the quality and condition of their bow hair can be. Canisa Sie gives a guide to caring for this vital part of a string player’s arsenal
String performer reviews during the First World War - From the Archive: December 1915
Despite the limitations caused by World War I, London still saw fine performances by Eugène Ysaÿe, Guilhermina Suggia and Albert Sammons among others
A master of his craft: Simone Fernando Sacconi
Born 130 years ago, Simone Fernando Sacconi was a brilliant violin maker and restorer, a respected teacher and, latterly, a celebrated author. Friends, colleagues and former students share their memories with Peter Somerford
Technique: artistry with the bow
British cellist Hannah Roberts explores the expressive possibilities of the right hand
Sentimental Work: Sol Gabetta on Servais’ Souvenir de Spa
As well as being a 19th-century masterpiece, the Souvenir de Spa by Adrien-François Servais helped the Argentine cellist discover the sound world of the pioneering musician Lise Cristiani
My Space: Glyn Jones’s Bala workshop
The luthier presents his shop, located in North Wales
Amaryllis Fleming: A life less ordinary
To mark a hundred years since the birth of Amaryllis Fleming in December 1925, Oskar Falta takes a look at the British cellist’s colourful life and influential career, and hears from one of her pupils – Raphael Wallfisch
The mindful hands: creative health for musicians
Pedro de Alcantara considers a playful yet philosophical approach to boosting health for the curious musician, and suggests some novel arm, wrist, hand and finger exercises for string players
‘What we do is a miraculous connection to others’ - Peter Sheppard Skærved’s life lessons
The British violinist on a musician’s duty and the importance of community
Trade Secrets: Cutting the f-holes
The traditional method adopted by the luthiers of the old Mirecourt school
In Focus: A c.1690 violin by Giovanni Maria del Bussetto
Aidan Mullerkin examines the elusive maker’s instrument
Analysis December 2025: How will AI transform the music industry?
When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, few people realised the seismic effect it would have on the creative industries – least of all musicians. What could the worst-case scenario be?
Session Report: Cellist Gautier Capuçon on recording new album ‘Gaïa’
Cellist Gautier Capuçon tells Charlotte Gardner about his new album, Gaïa, which features a climate change-inspired programme showcasing 17 new works by 16 composers
Opinion: How a performing career and teaching work hand in hand
Can performers sustain their own careers while also teaching students at a high level? Violinist Irina Rostomashvili believes it is not only possible, but essential
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