May

We talk to the Chiaroscuro Quartet and examine how some of the world’s top orchestras achieve their own distinctive sound. There’s a look at the career of US violinist Michael Rabin and we examine a cello with elements of Testore, Busan and Pietro Guarneri. Plus a Schubert Masterclass and David Finckel’s Life Lessons.

May 2026 Cover

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From this month's magazine

May 2026: Editor’s welcome and contents

The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the May issue, in which the Chiaroscuro Quartet discusses its approach to recording the complete string quartets of Beethoven

Chiaroscuro Quartet: gut instinct

The musicians of the Chiaroscuro Quartet talk to Pauline Harding about the challenges of playing on gut strings, and the emotionally and physically demanding experience of recording the complete Beethoven string quartets

Many voices, one sound: orchestral blending

How is it possible to create a seamless yet distinctive orchestral string sound? Players from some of the world’s leading orchestras speak to Peter Somerford about the techniques, traditions and listening skills that shape an orchestral identity

Postcard from the Netherlands: String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam

Clare Varney reports from the String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam, where an array of star performers and repertoire old and new proved that the genre is alive and well

Cover story

Chiaroscuro Quartet4 (c) Hugo Glendinning - Wigmore Hall

Chiaroscuro Quartet: gut instinct

The musicians of the Chiaroscuro Quartet talk to Pauline Harding about the challenges of playing on gut strings, and the emotionally and physically demanding experience of recording the complete Beethoven string quartets

Playing

LSO Noseda Barbican 260226 1303

Many voices, one sound: orchestral blending

How is it possible to create a seamless yet distinctive orchestral string sound? Players from some of the world’s leading orchestras speak to Peter Somerford about the techniques, traditions and listening skills that shape an orchestral identity

Lutherie

Main pic

My Space: Koichi Furukawa’s Osaka workshop

The maker presents his shop located in Japan’s second largest city

Technique

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Technique: Shifting on the double bass

Shifting can be especially tricky for bassists, Nina Decesare gives tips on how to best approach it

Masterclass

david and edgar cr Parlophone Records Ltd

Masterclass: Schubert Piano Trio no.2 in E flat major, first movement

David and Edgar Moreau dive into Schubert’s sound world, exploring colour, balance and the expressive detail that shapes their interpretation of this late work

Trade Secrets

t2

Trade Secrets: Camouflaging a patch using a veneer

An innovative and intricate method for a taxing problem in restoration