The Stradivari Forma B Cello Revolutionized the Way Cellos Were Made… Sort Of
The cello has also allowed for some variability in its size, but a key moment in its development seems to have happened in Cremona, in part thanks to Antonio Stradivari.
January-February 2023
Jim VanCleve’s Fiddle Joy Shines Through on Appalachian Road Show’s ‘Jubilation’
Grammy Award–winning fiddler Jim VanCleve talks about his history with the instrument and his latest album with Appalachian Road Show, Jubilation.
Preparing for a Musical Whirlwind Summer on Cello After a 30-year Break
And after the first nervousness subsided, starting to play cello again after 30 years was exhilarating, like having the wind in your face driving a fast convertible.
Brett Deubner Records a Powerful Collection of Solo Viola Works
The Covid-19 lockdown afforded violist Brett Deubner the time to record five new works for unaccompanied viola by five contemporary composers for Hope: Music for Solo Viola.
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On the Importance of Learning Music from Other Amateurs
I have learned just as much from my fellow musicians as anyone else about how to play, how to get the most out of music, and how to find the real joy in an artistic life.
Adventurous Unpredictability: The Chiaroscuro Quartet Takes a New Look at Mozart
The Chiaroscuro Quartet's interpretation of Mozart's 3 “Prussian” quartets suggests a return to a point of focus from their early years—and at the same time a venture into new territory.
Sprig of That is Cultivating a Genre-Jumping String Sound with Violin, Guitar, and Tabla
Sprig of That combines original compositions and diverse musical influences with an unusual instrumentation of violin, guitar, and tabla.
A Four-Day Festival Supports Each Member’s Passions for the Momenta Quartet
The Momenta Quartet's annual Momenta Festival—four consecutive concerts, each one curated by a different member of the quartet—is their antidote to programming constraints from presenters.
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‘The Martinů Cello Sonatas’ Takes Johannes Moser Through a Thorny Sonata Trilogy
“It’s really not everyday repertoire,” admits Cellist Johannes Moser of his recordings of Martinů's cello sonatas. “I discovered that these pieces have such variety and depth."
Playing it All: The Amateur Musical Life is Exactly What I Wanted
After I rediscovered my passion for cello, my kids' rock music teacher invited me to join his band. At first, I was unsure if I could do it, but here I am 3 years later, onstage playing cello with them and loving it.
A Cellist’s Guide to Playing Arabic Music
In adapting the instrument for Arabic music, cellists have developed a complex set of techniques and approaches over the last century.
An Ode to London’s Barbican Centre, Celebrating 40 Years of Culture and Controversy
The Barbican Centre truly deserves its status as London’s leading destination for culture. As it celebrated its 40th year in 2022, the Centre has been having a bit of a moment.
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How Kristin Zoernig Came to Possess a 375-Year-Old Bass Likely Played at Lincoln’s Inauguration
Kristin Zoernig's 1648 upright bass has an incredible history, but she says the uniqueness of the tone quality this bass possesses is its greatest gift.
Jazz Cellist Tomeka Reid on Developing Her Own Language of Improvisation
Forging a unique jazz sound that draws from a range of musical traditions, Tomeka Reid is a jazz cellist, composer, and improviser who was awarded one of 25 MacArthur Fellowships for 2022.
Coming Back to the Violin After Retirement Has Offered a Life Full of Rich Musical Experiences
Playing the fiddle and making music with my friends after retirement has added an element of passion and joy that I never expected at this stage of life.
Orchestras and Competitions Rethink the Printed Program
As we enter 2023, many orchestral organizations are beginning to rethink printed programs in favor of digital versions.