Slow growth

Editorís letter

Welcome to the February 2023 issue of The

Contributors

ANDREWBRADDOCK (Books, page 105) teaches viola at Western

SOUNDPOST

Letters, emails, online comments

Next steps

Newsand events from around the world this month

OBITUARIES

DAVID DALTON American violist and teacher David Johnson

COMPETITIONS

Ivan Skanavi Nina Bernat Antoine Tamestit SKANAVI PHOTO

What if ?

DOUBLE BASS BOW

ALL WOUND UP

Corelli Strings has released two new tensions of

IN SHAPE

The carbon-fibre Pyramid case from Wiseman Cases can

Life lessons

The American violinist and music director for the Academy of St Martin in the Fields discusses his varied experiences with teachers and the importance of learning from everyone

THE SEARCH FOR IDENTITY

Are we witnessing a golden age for new violin concertos, or simply too much of a good thing? Peter Quantrill argues that while some composers are carrying on a fine tradition, others seem to have lost something along the way

Rarities and English gems

AUCTIONS

Something to smile about

Tim Homfray attended the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition in the graceful Polish city of Poznań, and discovered an impressive collection of competitors during the final rounds

‘ON A CELLO, YOU CAN DO BIG THINGS’

The cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca combines French style with a questing and curious musical spirit. He speaks to Charlotte Gardner about his influences and his new album, Legacy

COATS OF MANY COLOURS

The instruments of the old Italians had a fine array of varnishes, but how they were made has always been a mystery. Pierre Flavetta reveals the results of his historical research into the colourants and methods available to the luthiers of Stradivari’s day

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Lucien Capet, born 150 years ago, rose from childhood poverty in Paris to become one of the most influential violinists, quartet leaders and pedagogues of the 20th century. Tully Potter examines his life and enduring legacy

AN ABUNDANCE OF CHOICE

British violist Timothy Ridout speaks to Carlos María Solare about adapting and recording Lionel Tertis’s arrangement of the Elgar Cello Concerto, and his discovery of a little-performed work by Bloch

IN LOVE WITH MUSIC

It’s four decades since she launched her professional career, and Midori’s joy, positivity and creativity remain undimmed. Thomas May discovers how the violinist’s remarkable range of commitments, both on and off stage, reflects her belief in art’s power to transform

COMPUTER ASSISTED

A CNC machine is becoming a regular sight in luthiers’ workshops, but using one effectively is an art in itself. Yann Poulain reveals his method for roughing out the arching of the front and back plates using the technology

HENDRICK AERNINCK

IN FOCUS A close look at the work of great and unusual makers

Cleaning and repairing surfaces before closing an instrument top

TRADESECRETS Makers reveal their special techniques

DAVID AYACHE

MYSPACE A peek into lutherie workshops around the world

A new take on an old classic

MAKINGMATTERS Points of interest to violin and bow makers

BEETHOVEN GROSSE FUGE OP.133

MASTERCLASS

Finding your voice on the viola

Thoughts on shifting and articulation

CONCERTS

Your monthly critical round-up of performances, recordings and publications

RECORDINGS

ABEL Cello Concertos: in C major, in B

BOOKS

Suzuki: The Man and His Dream to Teach

From the ARCHIVE

Author and luthier Robert Alton rails against ‘The Amateur Violin Expert’ – even reserving a few harsh words for the professional expert as well

JORDI SAVALL

Recording Schubert’s Eighth and Ninth symphonies after a lifetime of earlier works was an intriguing challenge for the veteran Catalan–Spanish gambist and conductor