All Blogs articles
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BlogsMusic from Chopin’s Land: an international project by Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne
Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne launches its third international campaign promoting Polish music, this time for the violin.
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Blogs
‘Art has the ability to make one look at the world from a different perspective’ - cellist Trey Lee
The cellist and artistic director of Musicus, a Hong-Kong based organisation which promotes cross-cultural collaboration through performances, speaks about musical outreach, exploring new repertoire, and overcoming the challenges of travelling with a cello
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Blogs
’After breaking the speed limit a few times, we eventually arrived hot, sweaty and stressed’ - more wedding gig disaster stories
At the time of year when many string players are spending their weekends performing at weddings, we share the best wedding gig disaster stories from The Strad’s readers and followers
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Blogs
Violinist Aaron Rosand on how to produce a good vibrato
The American violinist examines the role of vibrato in enhancing sound and providing character. From 2017
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Blogs
My Experience: Animato Quartet, Verbier Festival Academy
One can learn from great artists in the bar after a concert in addition to masterclasses at the Verbier Festival Academy, writes Animato Quartet violist Elisa Karen Tavenier
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Blogs
9 tips on playing the Ravel and Debussy quartets
Franck Chevalier, viola player of the Quatuor Diotima, gives advice on how to approach the most celebrated French additions to the quartet repertoire
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Blogs
5 ways to engage teenage string students in learning and performing a piece of music
Violist with the Bath Festival Orchestra, Cameron Howe, shares his experiences of teaching teenagers as part of the orchestra’s outreach work
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Blogs
‘I love that I’ve been able to explore my heritage in this way’: Cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson
The multi-faceted cellist and composer shares how her Jamaican heritage influenced her piece Island Suite, commissioned by the Solem Quartet
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Blogs
Five players, five insights on solo Bach
Our July 2021 issue features analysis of Bach’s solo violin sonatas - have a read of what these top five string players have to say about solo Bach
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Blogs
Learn from the world’s best violinists on tonebase
A new learning experience is now available worldwide to violinists thanks to the virtual platform tonebase
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Blogs
‘A kinder, more loving way to teach an instrument’: Violinist Augustin Hadelich on the Suzuki Method
The violinist has recently recorded music for Suzuki Method Books 4-6. He shares with The Strad his thoughts on the method, the challenges of recording such beloved works and the sense of responsibility in immortalising the repertoire for the next generation of violinists
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Blogs
Extended and splendid: 4 techniques for bowed strings to get the creative cogs turning
Composer Andrew Chen discusses four experimental techniques for strings ahead of the premiere of his new work Ilk, to be performed by the Gould Piano Trio at Cheltenham Music Festival
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Blogs
Violinist Christian Li: ‘I know there are exciting experiences ahead’
Emerging from one of the longest and most restrictive lockdowns in 2020, Melbourne-based violinist Christian Li illustrates his excitement to be travelling across the globe to take part in the Verbier Festival Academy
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Blogs
Photo gallery: Simon Blendis on owning Max Jaffa’s 1704 Guarneri violin
Violinist Simon Blendis shares how a Pietro Guarneri of Mantua violin ended up in his hands, enabling him to explore the the repertoire of its former owner, British salon musician Max Jaffa
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Blogs
Looking after your instrument: a beginner’s guide on how to change your strings
From the Women in Lutherie community: Munich-based luthier Lisa Hellmich provides a handy picture guide on how to change your strings with ease
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Blogs
Looking after your instrument: a guide to cleaning and polishing
Luthier Nurgul Comak offers a guide on instilling good cleaning habits and techniques to ensure the health and longevity of your stringed instrument
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Blogs
’Representing nature, a sense of place and identity’: Harriet Mackenzie on three new commissions
Violinist Harriet Mackenzie reflects on a busy summer of commissioned projects influenced by nature, special locations and personal collaborations
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Blogs
Looking after your instrument: an introduction to soundposts
What is a soundpost? What does it do? Luthier Cecilia González from the Women in Lutherie community illustrates the enormous role of the little cylindrical piece of wood in an aim to demystify the subject for players
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Blogs
Looking after your instrument: the secret to bridge placement
Is a reluctance to adjust your own bridge resulting in unnecessary trips to the luthier? Paris Andrew from the Women in Lutherie community explains how it’s done
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Blogs
‘Is it too late for me?’: Teaching adult students
Cellist and teacher Ragnhild Sannes shares her experience teaching adult cellists and how the question of being too late to start needs reframing
