Editor’s letterANGELA LYONS For most musicians, living through the

SOUNDPOSTLetters, emails, online comments

On the beatNews and events from around the world this month

NEWS IN BRIEFJulian Lloyd Webber hits out at post- Brexit

IN FOCUSGIROLAMO AMATI II

TRADE SECRETSMaking a martelé button

MY SPACELUTHIER GERTRUD REUTER

MAKING MATTERSSomething in the air

MASTERCLASSBRAHMS VIOLA SONATA OP.120 NO.1

TECHNIQUEPlaying with expression

CONCERTSLive streams: US

RECORDINGSHOMAGE TO BACH BACH Solo Violin Sonatas: in

BOOKSMonograph of the Antonio Stradivari Cello c.1690 ‘Barjansky’ Ed.

VIKTORIA MULLOVAThe Sibelius Violin Concerto played a pivotal part in the Soviet-born violinist’s life – even though it was unknown to her until the age of 18

A kind of magicThe powers of alchemy form the basis of a new string quartet

NEW PRODUCTSPure and simple A user-friendly tuning website for

Life lessonsThe acclaimed solo and chamber bassist stresses the importance of self-reliance and self-discipline in building a meaningful career and life

A SUNNY DISPOSITIONIn the past few years, US violinist Esther Yoo has seen her career blossom as a soloist and chamber player. And despite the pandemic, she has seized every opportunity to grow as a musician, as she tells

ADJUSTMENT TO CHANGEThe method of connecting an instrument’s neck to its body has undergone seismic changes since the Baroque era. Joseph Curtin analyses the ancient and modern procedures, and examines the benefits offered by fixing an adjustable neck

LORD OF THE DANCEThree centuries ago, Bach had completed his set of six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. In the second of two articles, Lewis Kaplan, senior member of the Juilliard School faculty, discusses interpretation of the three partitas – with reference to Bach’s autograph score

An enduring legacyLike their close contemporaries the Knopfs, the Herrmann family of bow makers left behind a large number of bows, many of which show exquisite craftsmanship. In the second of two articles, Gennady Filimonov examines their history, their connections with the Knopfs, and several examples of their work

WEATHERING THE STORMViolinist Karen Gomyo’s new album, dedicated to Astor Piazzolla and recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, was a profound and personal project for all involved, writes Rita Fernandes

PORTRAIT OF A LADY HOLDING A VIOLINTaking a Regency portrait of an unknown violinist as his starting point, Kevin MacDonald investigates the lives and careers of Louise Gautherot and other female violinists of Georgian England

AHEAD OF THE CURVERecording the archings of instruments is one of the most difficult areas of violin making and restoration. Charline Dequincey describes a method using dental compound which is accessible to anyone, and gives high-quality results