All articles by Tom Stewart
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ArticleLife Lessons: David Harrington
The American violinist recalls the path that led him to found the genre-defying Kronos Quartet
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ArticleProducts August 2020: Face mask
The coronavirus pandemic has put something of a dampener on the celebrations planned worldwide to mark 250 years since the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. While it won’t quite live up to the thrill of listening to (or playing in) a live performance of his music, this ...
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ArticleProducts August 2020: Glue pot
This 1fl oz pot for heat-sensitive hide glue is a replica of an 1870s model by Landers, Frary & Clark. It retains the decorative sunburst design of the original, but is made from stainless steel instead of cast iron. According to the manufacturer, water between the layers ...
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ArticleProducts August 2020: Pirastro Perpetual cello strings
New warm and weighty choices for cellists
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FocusJennifer Pike: Life Lessons
Trust your gut, stick to your guns and enjoy what you’re doing, says the British violinist
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Article‘He taught me how to stand up for what I believed in’ - Midori remembers Isaac Stern
Midori shares her memories of her mentor Stern, in honour of the great violinist’s 100th anniversary
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ArticleProducts July 2020: Instrument protector
Hand-stitched under what the maker calls ‘sustainable, socio-economically fair conditions’, these fabric ‘cocoons’ are designed to offer an additional protective layer inside the case and keep the instrument free from dust. They are available in various fabrics, from patterned kimono silks to vintage cotton brocade, and to ...
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ArticleProducts July 2020: Bridge clamp
A bass bridge’s large size and numerous edges and corners can make working on one an uncomfortable business. This tool is designed to hold the bridge in place, reducing pressure on the maker’s hands and freeing them up for tasks such as fitting the bridge feet. According ...
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ArticleProducts July 2020: BAM violin case
A range of matching bags and instrument cases that aims to offer a unified look to image-conscious players
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FocusNathan Meltzer: Life Lessons
The up-and-coming US violinist on his early years in Austria and summertime chamber music by the sea
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ArticleProducts June 2020: Violin case
By housing the bow in a separate case, German manufacturer Masuratini’s violin cases are designed to offer players a better chance of flying with their instrument as cabin baggage. The handmade ABS-shell cases (without bow) measure from 63 x 25 x 13cm and are available in a ...
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ArticleProducts June 2020: Student violin
Yamaha’s YVN Model 3 student violin outfit is now available in 1/2 and 3/4 sizes. With a ‘press-formed’ spruce top that uses less wood than some traditional factory-made violins, the instrument is designed to offer some of the tonal warmth of a carved instrument with additional durability ...
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ArticleProducts June 2020: Digital mapping system
Bridging the gap between acoustic instruments and digital sound design
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ArticleProducts May 2020: Polycorde bow
A shape-shifting bow designed to change what a violin can do
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ArticleProducts May 2020: Durod cello endpin
South Korean maker Durod claim their carbon-fibre cello endpins improve the response time of the instrument and help players create a focused, rich and clear sound. They are available in lengths of 520mm and 600mm, with the option to include a hollow or solid brass core. Durod ...
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ArticleProducts May 2020: Meisel Jascha Heifetz violin strings
Described by the maker as an ‘exact copy’ of those used by Jascha Heifetz himself, these violin strings have been licensed by the Heifetz estate. The set comprises a Goldbrokat E string, uncovered gut A and D strings, and a gut G string wound in sterling silver. ...
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Premium ❘ FeatureSession Report: A Voyage of Discovery
French composer Benoît Menut’s new concept album of songs and chamber works takes its listeners on a single, continuous journey across the sea. He and cellist Patrick Langot speak to Tom Stewart about the project
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ArticleLife Lessons: Timothy Ridout
There’s more to the instrument’s repertoire than meets the eye, says the young British viola player
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ArticleNew Products: March 2020
Dolfinos chin and shoulder rest system; Yamaha SLB300SK Silent Bass; Bam Supreme polycarbonate violin case
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FeatureThe promise of Youth: Postcard from London
The 2019 Highgate International Chamber Music Festival showcased a variety of repertoire performed in partnerships established especially for the event. But, says Tom Stewart, it is the festival’s commitment to educational outreach that is particularly admirable