Editorís letterWelcome to the February 2023 issue of The

ContributorsANDREWBRADDOCK (Books, page 105) teaches viola at Western

SOUNDPOSTLetters, emails, online comments

Next stepsNewsand events from around the world this month

OBITUARIESDAVID DALTON American violist and teacher David Johnson

Slow growthPREMIERE of the MONTH

COMPETITIONSIvan Skanavi Nina Bernat Antoine Tamestit SKANAVI PHOTO

What if ?DOUBLE BASS BOW

ALL WOUND UPCorelli Strings has released two new tensions of

IN SHAPEThe carbon-fibre Pyramid case from Wiseman Cases can

Life lessonsThe 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

Rarities and English gemsAUCTIONS

Something to smile aboutTim 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 COLOURSThe 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 CONNECTIONLucien 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 CHOICEBritish 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 MUSICIt’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 ASSISTEDA 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 AERNINCKIN FOCUS A close look at the work of great and unusual makers

Cleaning and repairing surfaces before closing an instrument topTRADESECRETS Makers reveal their special techniques

DAVID AYACHEMYSPACE A peek into lutherie workshops around the world

A new take on an old classicMAKINGMATTERS Points of interest to violin and bow makers

BEETHOVEN GROSSE FUGE OP.133MASTERCLASS

Finding your voice on the violaThoughts on shifting and articulation

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

RECORDINGSABEL Cello Concertos: in C major, in B

BOOKSSuzuki: The Man and His Dream to Teach

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

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