July

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.

July 2026 Cover

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From this month's magazine

July 2026: Editor’s welcome and contents

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

Out of the dark: the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin

The ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin of 1742 was once believed lost – and its rediscovery in 2002 was a heart-pounding moment for the experts. Frédéric Chaudière recalls the compelling story of the instrument’s authentication

Günter Pichler: 1940–2026

The first violinist of the Alban Berg Quartet was also a sought-after conductor and pedagogue. Tully Potter looks back at his life and legacy

François Rabbath at 95: a legacy of freedom

To mark the 95th birthday of the great double bassist François Rabbath, Naomi Yandell hears from some of his former students about what they have learnt from the distinguished musician, and how they continue to be influenced by his approach

Postcard from San Francisco: ASTA 2026 national conference

The 2026 American String Teachers Association National Conference was a bustling and inspiring event packed full of talks and performances, as Rita Fernandes and Davina Shum discovered

Cover story

Rovelli Guarneri

Out of the dark: the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin

The ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin of 1742 was once believed lost – and its rediscovery in 2002 was a heart-pounding moment for the experts. Frédéric Chaudière recalls the compelling story of the instrument’s authentication

Playing

Francois Rabbath playing

François Rabbath at 95: a legacy of freedom

To mark the 95th birthday of the great double bassist François Rabbath, Naomi Yandell hears from some of his former students about what they have learnt from the distinguished musician, and how they continue to be influenced by his approach

Lutherie

Poss lead -Kovanda working in Lewis workshop colorized c1930s

Frank Kovanda: bow man to the stars

Frank Kovanda is acknowledged as one of America’s finest 20th-century bow makers. Gennady Filimonov tells his story and examines some examples of his work

Technique

DSCF5219

Technique: Going from the violin to viola

Petr Holman gives tips on switching instrument, particularly focusing on the right hand

Masterclass

arnaudsussmann13 pc matt dine

Masterclass: Mozart Violin Sonata no.32 in B flat major, first movement

In a movement that evokes all the delightful quirks of a Mozart opera, it’s important to maintain a dialogue between violin and piano, says violinist Arnaud Sussmann

Trade Secrets

6

Trade Secrets: An innovative varnish recipe

Johannes Jacobs presents a method for making and applying both the ground coat and an emulsion varnish