All Focus articles
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Focus
The Strad Podcast #113: Uncovering Ysaÿe’s lost works with violinist Philippe Graffin
The violinist speaks about his efforts to bring Ysaÿe’s Poème concertant into the limelight
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Laurence Lesser’s musical heroes: a playlist
Cellist Laurence Lesser shares some influential recordings from legendary artists that have impacted his six-decade-long career, which he has recently outlined in the March 2024 issue of The Strad
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Who was violinist Alma Moodie?
Australian-born violinist Alma Moodie was a celebrated performer in her day – a protégée of Carl Flesch who collaborated with many leading composers. However, her contribution to the violin canon has been largely forgotten, writes Tatjana Goldberg
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The Strad Podcast #112: making musical choices with violist and composer Jessica Meyer
Believing the word ’improvisation’ to be a scary word for many classical musicians, Jessica calls for a simpler approach that will help musicians interpret both their own and others’ music
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Pioneering Female String Players from The Strad archives
Ahead of International Women's Day on 8 March, take a look at these string players who graced the pages of our early magazine
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Who were the early female violinists?
Women soloists have long struggled against prejudice and indifference in the male-dominated musical establishment. But, as Tully Potter explains, The Strad has taken an enlightened approach to the sexes throughout its history. From 2014
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The Strad Podcast #111: juggling orchestral and solo playing with double bassist Michael Rieber
How do you find the time to release a solo album while holding a principal position in one of Europe’s top orchestras? The double bassist shares his strategies for effective practice and preparation
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The Strad Podcast #110: Stravinsky’s kaleidoscope of colours with violinist Alena Baeva
Alena Baeva delves into the intricacies of Stravinsky’s Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss, which features on her latest recording
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Practice Diary: violist Rachel Roberts
The British violist works towards chamber and solo recitals that include pieces by Hindemith and Schoenberg. From 2016
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The Strad Podcast #109: the importance of a positive mindset with cellist Maja Bogdanović
How do you avoid burnout and stress when you have a busy performing and family life? Maja shares her strategies
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The Strad Podcast #108: In search of authenticity: exploring Brahms’s Violin Sonata no.2 with Daniel Kurganov
Alongside his February issue Masterclass on the sonata, the violinist shares his historical performance approach to recording the work, as well as his quest for authenticity
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Mastering intonation, by cello professor Antonio Lysy
Cellist Antonio Lysy provides exercises to help you play in tune every time you put your finger on the string
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Born on this day: Violinist Jascha Heifetz
Read about the renowned violinist and teacher who inspired (and frightened) scores of players
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Great string players of the past: violinist Fritz Kreisler
As a child, Thomas Zehetmair was entranced by the stories Fritz Kreisler told in his playing
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The Strad Podcast #107: back to basics with cellist Gabriel Schwabe
Defining one’s practice with intention is crucial to unlocking playing potential without dwelling on too much complexity, says the cellist
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Life Lessons: Cellist Lynn Harrell
The American cellist looks back at the beginnings of his life as a musician in this article from 2019
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An Unrivalled Virtual Concert Experience
Curated by James Ehnes, Seattle Chamber Music Society’s (SCMS) Virtual Concert Hall will feature livestreamed and on-demand performances beginning on 26 January
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Born on this day: jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli
Today we’re shining a light on the influential ‘grandfather of the jazz violin,’ who was born on 26 January 1908
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The instruments and bows of Jacqueline du Pré
In this extract from February 1988, Charles Beare recounts the instruments and bows played by cellist Jacqueline du Pré, including the 1712 ‘Davidov’ Stradivari
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The Strad Podcast #106: 3D learning and creative teaching with violinist Rachel Cooper
String teachers must focus on how something sounds and feels - rather than solely what something looks like - when teaching students, says the violin teacher