ContributorsCHRISTIAN BAYON (Making Matters, page 72) is a

SOUNDPOSTLetters, emails, online comments

Editorís letterThe British viola tradition is synonymous with Lionel

Target practiceNews and events from around the world this month

OBITUARIESCONRAD VON DER GOLTZ Violinist Conrad von der

People watchingPREMIERE of the MONTH

COMPETITIONSBohdan Luts Vilém Vlček Trio Basilea LUTS PHOTO

Fashion statementVIOLIN CASE

AU NATURELKremer Pigmente has released a new natural resin,

SHINE ONKönig & Meyer’s new Double2 LED FlexiLight stand

Life lessonsThe Italian violinist on his journey to becoming a Baroque specialist and the benefits of having a range of influences

The human touchPOSTCARD from...

‘PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR SOMETHING DIFFERENT’Timothy Ridout is the latest in a line of brilliant British violists that stretches back to Lionel Tertis. He speaks to Toby Deller about the legacy of this influential musician, his own fight to expand the viola repertoire, and his latest recording – a Tertis celebration

A LOVE REVIVEDViolinist Philippe Graffin has recorded a work for violin and orchestra by Eugène Ysaÿe that had lain undiscovered for more than a century. He speaks to Jessica Duchen about the love affair that inspired the piece, and what can be learnt from its discovery

THE ART OF THE DEALSigned 100 years ago, an agreement between luthier Stefano Scarampella and his apprentice Gaetano Gadda has recently been discovered. Philip Kass explains how it shines a light on the business relationship between two of Mantua’s leading 20th-century makers

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTHIn the second and final part of his survey, Tully Potter reveals the extent of the explosion of all-female quartets that occurred after the First World War in the UK, Europe, the US and the Soviet Union, as well as notable mixed ones

THE DARING DOZENThe conductorless string orchestra 12 Ensemble is celebrating its twelfth birthday with a new album, Metamorphosis. Founder members Max Ruisi and Eloise-Fleur Thom speak to David Kettle about the repertoire, and recording in London’s famous Abbey Road Studios

FATHER of a TRADITIONBy the early 20th century, the town of Schönbach was producing tens of thousands of violins per year – but the industry began with just one man. Christian Hoyer sifts through the records to reveal the life and legacy of Elias Placht

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

Preparing the neck-block Makers reveal their special techniques

VICTOR HUGO VÉLEZLUTHIER

Stronger togetherPoints of interest to violin and bow makers

BRAHMS VIOLIN SONATA NO.2, FIRST MOVEMENTMASTERCLASS

Yin and yangUsing balance to create a free viola sound

ReviewsCONCERTS

ReviewsBOOKS

From the ARCHIVEThe Strad ’s Egyptian correspondent Alexander Ruppa gives an account of two (not entirely successful) performances by violinist Bronisław Huberman

IN THE NEXT ISSUEAugustin Hadelich The German violinist, with a raft

EDWARD DUSINBERREBeethoven’s String Quartet no.8 has been a life companion for the British musician, over more than three decades as the Takács Quartet’s first violinist