Masumi Per Rostad Features Historic Violin in SOUNDPOST
The latest episode of the SOUNDPOST series highlights an exquisite 17th-century instrument played by Joshua Brown.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Medieval and Renaissance
Masumi Per Rostad has released the third episode of his fifth season of the SOUNDPOST series. The new installment features violinist Joshua Brown showcasing his rare instrument made by Nicolò Amati.
Why it matters
This series offers listeners a deep dive into the histories and tonal qualities of world-class instruments through intimate interviews with their performers.
The featured violin was crafted in Cremona between 1635 and 1640, marking the instrument as approximately 400 years old. Host Masumi Per Rostad brings two decades of experience with the Pacifica Quartet to these discussions.
The players
Masumi Per Rostad
He is a professor of viola and chamber music at the Eastman School of Music and the founder of the DoCha chamber music festival in Champaign, Illinois.
Joshua Brown
He is a high-profile violinist who recently earned major recognition at the Queen Elisabeth Competition and through the Avery Fisher Career Grant.
Nicolò Amati
He was a renowned Italian luthier based in Cremona whose work remains among the most sought-after and influential in the history of string instrument making.
The details
In this installment of his interview series, Rostad examines the craftsmanship of Joshua Brown's Nicolò Amati violin. Brown, an accomplished musician, provides firsthand insight into the performance capabilities of the historic instrument.
Timeline
The violin was constructed in Cremona between 1635 and 1640.
Joshua Brown earned Second Prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2024.
Joshua Brown was named an Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient in 2025.
The SOUNDPOST episode was released on October 28, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The series aligns with the pedagogical mission of the Eastman School of Music by documenting the provenance and technical evolution of classical instruments. This trend highlights a broader industry shift toward using digital media to preserve the legacies of master-crafted tools for modern audiences.
Listeners can access this episode immediately through the digital SOUNDPOST series platform. The content provides students and collectors with direct insights into the performance characteristics of 400-year-old luthier work.
The takeaway
This series serves as a valuable archive for understanding how antique instruments continue to shape contemporary classical performances. Musicians and hobbyists can look to these deep dives to better appreciate the intersection of historical craftsmanship and modern technique.
Further reading
Explore more historical instrument analysis on the Medieval and Renaissance music page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by World's Leading Classical Music Platform.
