All Debate articles – Page 6
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DebateA united front against orchestral mergers
More than 20 per cent of Germany's orchestras have disappeared since 1992. Gerald Mertens examines the reasons why, and asks what can be done to halt the trend
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DebateRare musical instruments may be better preserved away from museums
Lack of conservation resources and pressure to restore them or perform on them can put historic instruments at risk, argues Stewart Pollens
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DebateNow is the time for the double bass to shine
After centuries of neglect, the double bass is receiving the attention it has always deserved. Jeff Bradetich argues that now is a great time to be a bassist
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DebateWhy we should question our prejudices
The string world has overcome many preconceptions, but there's still room for improvement, says Ariane Todes
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DebateWhy we should take Chinese players seriously
Using the lazy assumption that string players from China have ‘great technique but no musicality' ignores the talent that they bring to Western music, says Nancy Pellegrini
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DebateGet rid of histrionics in quartet playing
Over-the-top emoting by individual players ruins the whole point of chamber music, says David Kettle
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DebateAre the achievements of El Sistema the tip of the iceberg?
The results of Sistema-based social programmes are almost impossible to quantify – but as Jonathan Govias argues, the potential of ‘the system' is boundless
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DebateDo top ten lists miss the whole point of music?
The compulsion to rank performers by number denies the subtlety and diversity of their craft, argues Ariane Todes
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DebateUse intellect, not instinct
Instead of simply focusing on technical prowess, performers should have as profound an understanding of music theory as composers do, argues cellist David Watkin, since it can only serve to develop their skills
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DebateSources of inspiration
If players and teachers were less cagey about where they discovered their ideas, Philippa Bunting argues, it would be more interesting for audiences and more valuable for their peers
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DebateSecret commissions: the dark side of teaching
Teachers must be open about any commission they get when a student buys an instrument, argues Ariane Todes
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DebateEmbrace the difference
Luthiers often have more experience than players of Baroque instruments and bows. So, says US bow maker David Hawthorne, they should be fearless in producing authentic equipment to enlighten and inform
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DebateFear of a blank page
There's nothing stopping string players from commissioning their own works, argues cellist David Cohen – apart from their own reluctance
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DebateNo more excuses - Sally Beamish
Sally Beamish laments that it's taken the tragic death of violinist Frances Andrade for the damage done by predatory music teachers to be seriously addressed
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DebateRise to the challenge
It's new repertoire that will attract 21st-century audiences to the concert hall, argues violinist Joel Smirnoff – and string players should be spearheading the revolution
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DebateHear no evil?
Recent allegations about child abuse at the BBC have exposed a culture of turning a blind eye. Music education institutions must learn from the consequences of such an attitude, argues Ariane Todes
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DebateCould do better
String teachers should improve their own skills to help students improve, instead of going overboard with encouragement and hoping that the problems will fix themselves, argues Simon Fischer
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DebateTell your own story
String players shouldn't put up with badly written, out-of-date biographies put together by agents, argues Helen Michetschläger. Do it yourself and reap the rewards
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DebateHey, I got a social disease
Twitter has emerged as a great way for string players to engage with their audiences. But if they try too hard to sell themselves they undermine the whole point of social media, argues Ariane Todes
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DebatePlay that bit again please
Composers included repeats for a reason, but many players choose to exclude them. This is irresponsible, argues Tully Potter, and shows a lack of imagination