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Editor's letter

Antonio Stradivari is such a hallowed figure in the string world that it’s easy to forget that his brilliance didn’t simply appear fully formed, but was the result of many years of innovation and experimentation. On page 36 Philip Ihle shares his research into the moulds and patterns from the great luthier’s early career and considers how the young Antonio’s constant questioning and experimentation led to the genius instruments of his mature years.

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The Strad
December 2025
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The Strad
Contributors
This month's writers for The Strad
Soundpost
Letters, emails, online comments
Contents
What's in the December issue
FRONT
On The Beat: News And Analysis
News and events from around the world
OBITUARIES
ROLAND PIDOUX French cellist Roland Pidoux died on
On The Beat: Premiere
Premiere of the Month
On The Beat: Competitions
Awards news from around the world
New Products
The latest items for string players
Life Lessons
With violinist Peter Sheppard Skærved
Opinion
Combining a performance career with teaching is not only possible but essential
Postcard from Canada
The 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition
FEATURES
Johan Dalene
The Swedish violinist is already releasing his sixth album at the age of 25. He talks to Jessica Duchen about his eclectic musical tastes and his 1725 Stradivari
Stradivari's early violin patterns
Philip Ihle presents an extensive study into the master luthier’s development, comparing the outlines of 46 violins to discover which patterns he favoured
Creative health for musicians
There’s more to keeping fit and healthy than just posture exercises and Alexander technique. Pedro de Alcantara offers some innovative suggestions
Simone Fernando Sacconi
Peter Somerford speaks to friends, colleagues and students of the luthier, expert and author of The ‘Secrets’ of Stradivari, to mark the 130th anniversary of his birth
Session Report
Cellist Gautier Capuçon’s new album Gaïa showcases 17 new pieces themed around climate change. He tells Charlotte Gardner about the concept behind it
Amaryllis Fleming
The British cellist and teacher was born 100 years ago this month. Oskar Falta looks back at her life and hears from her former pupil Raphael Wallfisch
REGULARS
In Focus
A c.1690 violin by the obscure Cremonese maker Giovanni Maria del Bussetto
Trade Secrets
Pablo Alfaro explains the Mirecourt method of carving the f-holes
My Space
Glyn Jones from Bala, Wales
Making Matters
A guide to looking after and storing bow hair correctly
Masterclass
Steffan Morris on the third movement of Brahms’s Cello Sonata in E minor
Technique
Cellist Hannah Roberts explores the expressive possibilities of the bow
Reviews: Concerts
A critical round-up of performances
Reviews: Recordings
The latest physical and digital recordings
Reviews: Books
Publications of interest to the string music world
Features Index 2025
From the ARCHIVE
FROM THE STRAD DECEMBER 1915 VOL.26 NO.308
Sentimental Work
Cellist Sol Gabetta on Souvenir de Spa by Adrien-François Servais
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