The Stradivarius vs. the Modern Violin

Researchers in France and the US collaborated to see if professional violinists can tell the difference between a modern violin and a legendary old Stradivarius.

South Africa’s Bow Project

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South African music is famous for its fusion of Western and indigenous sounds. A group of South African classical composers are taking inspiration from a native sound. Anders Kelto has this report from Cape Town. Download MP3

Violins – made in China

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China now makes 70% of the world’s violins. And the quality at the top-end is quite good. In fact, it’s making Italian violin makers nervous. In today’s Global Hit, Mary Kay Magistad checks out China’s violins. (Photo:Mary Kay Magistad) Download MP3

• Photo gallery: Making violins in China
• Illustrated transcript
• Laura Lynch on master violin maker Jamie Lazzara
• Global Hit archive

Master violin maker Jamie Lazzara

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Today’s Global Hit features the story of an American woman who’s lived most of her life in Florence. Jamie Lazzara crafts violins of exceptional quality. So much so that at the beginning of this year, Lazzara received an unexpected, though private honor. Laura Lynch has her story. Photographs by Holly van der Lee Download MP3

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