Focus
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FocusMasterclass: Beethoven String Quartet No 16 in F Major, Op 135, first movement
Casals Quartet violist Jonathan Brown scrutinises this movement and explains why this piece is less abstract and unruly than many musicians first assume
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FocusDo violin making competitions stifle originality in favour of perfection?
Peter Somerford asks what luthiers should do to maximise their success when entering a competition, and whether winning really is everything
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FocusBritish Airways in the spotlight as violinist complains of boarding drama
Savitri Grier was asked to place her on-loan Goffriller violin in the hold but was eventually allowed to board when cabin crew was consulted
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FocusWhat's the difference between a £1,000 and a £20,000 violin?
How do violin dealers and auction houses settle on the prices of instruments in the ‘middle range’ – and what should a potential buyer bear in mind when browsing?
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FocusRuggiero Ricci 100th anniversary: a photographic timeline
When the great violinist and teacher died in 2012, at the age of 94, these photos were included in our tribute to an extraordinarily long and celebrated career
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FocusWords of wisdom from cellist Aldo Parisot
As Yale School of Music announces the official retirement of the 99-year-old cello guru, we look back at some of the inspiring quotes from an interview for The Strad conducted by one of his most illustrious students, Ralph Kirshbaum
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FocusThe Doric Quartet on switching to Classical bows
In this extract from their cover story in the August 2018 issue of The Strad, the British quartet discusses how a recent experiment with Classical bows has taken the players’ musicianship to new heights. Interview by Toby Deller
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FocusMasterclass: Daniel Hope on 'Winter' from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
The British violinist offers ideas on how to conjure a frosty chill through your violin playing. From the January 2015 issue
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FocusAsk the Experts: how to eliminate tension in the bow arm and hand
Three teachers give their thoughts on eliminating right hand, arm and shoulder tension in a young student
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FocusMoonkyung Lee: add a 21st-century miniature to your recital
The violinist delves into one of the contemporary pieces from her latest album and explains why expanding the instrument’s repertoire is not just worthwhile but alo fun and exciting