All Debate articles – Page 10
-
DebateHow much is an orchestral player worth?
In the face of constant salary reductions and economic gloom, do orchestral musicians have the right to say ‘enough is enough’, asks Charlotte Smith
-
Premium ❘ DebatePersonality is no longer encouraged in musical performance
Not too long ago mass audiences and critics alike revered overtly personal performances, yet today superimposing one's personality over that of the composer is regarded as poor musicianship, writes Henry Roth
-
DebateThe US ivory ban risks criminalising hard-working musicians
US restrictions on sales of ivory-tipped bows will place unreasonable demands on owners and strip essential music tools of their value, says violin maker and dealer Jay Ifshin
-
Premium ❘ DebateString players can make the best orchestral conductors
There's a growing trend of string players turning to conducting – and as Andrew Mellor argues, it's the orchestras that stand to reap the benefits
-
Premium ❘ DebateWhy do so few string players start out learning the viola?
The UK may be producing some talented viola players, but violist Louise Lansdown cannot understand how, when the instrument is under-supported at grass-roots level
-
Premium ❘ DebateAn interesting and well-written biography is key to promoting yourself as a musician
String players shouldn't put up with badly written, out-of-date biographies put together by agents, argues Helen Michetschläger.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
-
Premium ❘ DebateThe skills we learn as musicians can counteract today's short attention spans
Are apps, tweets and status updates killing our minds? Ariane Todes argues that string players are uniquely placed to rise above the dangers of modern technology
-
Premium ❘ DebateMuseums must be allowed to display historic instruments to the public
Suggestions that instrumental care is too delicate a task for museums are dangerously wide of the mark, and pay scant regard to their educational objectives, argues Alex Robinson in this blog from 2014
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
DebateWhy we should question our prejudices
The string world has overcome many preconceptions, but there's still room for improvement, says Ariane Todes
-
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
-
DebateGet rid of histrionics in quartet playing
Over-the-top emoting by individual players ruins the whole point of chamber music, says David Kettle
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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