February 2025

We talk to the members of the Attacca Quartet, while Nigel Kennedy discusses his latest foray into composition. There’s a look at the work of Polish luthier Ladislaus Baczyński and the bows of Charles Nicolas Bazin. Plus David Finckel’s views on teaching chamber music and Glenn Dicterow’s Sentimental Work.

February 2025 Cover

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From this month's magazine

‘It’s about spending time with the music’: the Attacca Quartet

The Attacca Quartet is about to release its first recording of Ravel’s String Quartet in F major, closing the circle on the ensemble’s career so far. George Grella hears from the four musicians about why they are drawn to that composer, and about their repertoire choices, influences and working methods

‘Master of the violin, artist of the soul’: Władysław Baczyński

Władysław Baczyński overcame a life of tragedy to become one of Poland’s most highly regarded 20th-century violin makers. Grzegorz Kaproń tells his story

Nigel Kennedy: the real thing

Nigel Kennedy is still often viewed as the bad boy of the violin, but he reveals his thoughtful, straight-talking nature as he chats with Harry White about equality, education and his recent forays into original composition

Cover story

Attacca-Quartet-1_credit-David-Goddard

‘It’s about spending time with the music’: the Attacca Quartet

The Attacca Quartet is about to release its first recording of Ravel’s String Quartet in F major, closing the circle on the ensemble’s career so far. George Grella hears from the four musicians about why they are drawn to that composer, and about their repertoire choices, influences and working methods

Playing

IMG_8928-2 - Copy

Nigel Kennedy: the real thing

Nigel Kennedy is still often viewed as the bad boy of the violin, but he reveals his thoughtful, straight-talking nature as he chats with Harry White about equality, education and his recent forays into original composition

Lutherie

1930c Ladislaus Baczynski

‘Master of the violin, artist of the soul’: Władysław Baczyński

Władysław Baczyński overcame a life of tragedy to become one of Poland’s most highly regarded 20th-century violin makers. Grzegorz Kaproń tells his story

Technique

Jeanne-Louise

Technique: Creating core in your viola sound

Jeanne-Louise Moolman shares tips on how to create a sound with core on the viola

Masterclass

DSC_7940 cr Karl Johnson

Masterclass: Ravel Piano Trio, first movement

Keeping in mind Ravel’s orchestral sound palette is key to letting colour direct the myriad character and mood changes in this lilting movement, says cellist Carrie Bean Stute

Trade Secrets

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Trade Secrets: The ‘Doratura Cremonese’ ground method

How to make and apply a ground coat with a deep golden yellow colour