Editor’s letterWe are living in unprecedented times. As The Strad

ContributorsCOLIN ADAMSON

SOUNDPOSTLETTER of the MONTH

Desperate times, desperate measuresNow that concerts, festivals and physical music lessons

OBITUARIESDo you have a topical story concerning the string music

Lessons in loveA tribute to the human side of a towering musical mind

Ahead of the curveA shape-shifting bow designed to change what a violin

Life lessonsLearn to question received wisdom and keep an open mind, says the acclaimed Baroque violinist

Classical routesThe annual La Ruta de Mozart festival presents the composer’s complete string quartets in a day of celebration at open-air locations around the city of Havana. Chloe Cutts attended this year’s edition

TAKING STOCKAs The Strad celebrates its 130th anniversary this month, stringed instrument expert Philip Kass looks at the future of the industry, while on page 30 music journalist Charlotte Gardner examines what might be on the cards for players

CAREER IN BLOOMFor Tabea Zimmermann, 2020 represents a new flowering in her musical life. Amanda Holloway speaks to the German violist about directing her final Beethoven-Woche, her new recording projects, expanding the viola repertoire and imparting her wisdom to the next generation

IN A LAND WITHOUT RULESWith the growth in popularity of historically informed performance, more players are requesting Baroque-style instruments – but the process of converting an instrument is fraught with uncertainty. Sarah Peck presents an overview of the Baroque setup process, and corrects some common misconceptions along the way

A DIFFERENT WAY TO HELPMusic therapy can be a fulfilling profession for any musician looking to make a significant impact in the community. Violinist and music therapist Joy Gravestock outlines the routes to this rewarding career and describes a typical day in the field

TAKING THE STRAINFor instrument makers, repetitive strain injuries can mean untold pain and misery – and possibly the end of their career. Luthier Cameron Robertson explains how, with the help of occupational therapist Sara Propes, he adapted his work process to guard against the problems of RSI in the future

BARAK NORMANA close look at the work of great and unusual makers

Repairing damaged blocksA conscientious method that preserves as much information as possible for future restorers

MY SPACEA peek into lutherie workshops around the world

In search of the ‘missing link’Stefan Hersh examines a Tourte-school bow that might provide a connection between the master bow maker’s conventional style and the earlier Cramer-head bowsPoints of interest to violin and bow makers

SMETANA QUARTET NO.1 ‘FROM MY LIFE’Violist Liisa Randalu of the Schumann Quartet gives

Legato and lyricismIdeas to help you grow your sound and articulate every

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

ReviewsBACH Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin BWV 1001–6

ReviewsPioneer Violin Virtuose in the Early Twentieth Century

From the ARCHIVEIn the early days of The Strad, many of the stories were taken from other publications. The very first issue brought readers these two gems from the Daily Telegraph and The American Musician

IN THE NEXT ISSUETetzlaff Quartet

MAXIM VENGEROVThe First Violin Concerto by Shostakovich brings back memories of the Russian violinist’s first meeting with Mstislav Rostropovich – an encounter that blossomed into firm friendship