All Feature articles – Page 5
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FeatureAsk the Experts: should players separate technique and musicality in practice?
A violinist asks if players should separate technique and musicality when preparing a piece for a performance, and if there is a strategy that can help combat performance nerves
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FeatureHow breaking a thumb saved cellist Colin Carr's career
The international cello soloist and chamber musician describes how a cycling accident forced him to rethink the way he played
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FeatureShould all viola players practise the violin?
It's the ultimate heresy for some violists: the idea of practising the violin as well as the viola. James Boyd, tongue somewhat in cheek, insists that violists can and should practise both
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FeatureAre dendrochronology reports useful in valuing an instrument?
Dealers and auction houses increasingly include dendrochronology reports along with high-value instruments, but how meaningful are they in verifying an attribution?
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FeatureThe birth of Elgar’s Cello Concerto
To mark the centenary of the completion and premiere of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, cellist Raphael Wallfisch reflects upon the period and circumstances surrounding the work’s creation and subsequent life
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FeatureRichard Tognetti: Life Lessons
The Australian violinist on Crowded House, ‘classical’ music and the importance of the Antipodean perspective
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FeatureAre masterclasses an essential part of a musician’s training?
Are they more likely to inspire or confuse? Teachers from around the world give their opinions
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FeatureCremona hosts Cremonese treasures on loan from the US
The Museo del Violino is hosting a special exhibition of some of the National Music Museum’s finest Cremonese instruments while the US institution is closed for renovations
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FeatureDouble firsts: Postcards from Moscow and St Petersburg
At this year’s quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Competition, the judges awarded the $30,000 first prize in both the violin and cello categories. Tim Homfray attended the violin section in Moscow, while Andrew Mellor visited St Petersburg to hear the cellists – and both were impressed by what they saw
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Feature7 mental techniques to boost your practice
Effective practice without the frustration and drudgery? Piet Koornhot looks at ways to direct your imagination.
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FeatureChoose a modern instrument to kickstart your career
MyLuthier co-founders Ariel Lang and Pedro Silva share some tips on how to start the search for your perfect instrument
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FeatureCellist Angela East on treating shoulder tendonitis
Training as an Alexander Technique teacher helped the musician to overcome debilitating pain in her bowing arm
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FeatureSilver linings: Postcard from Vail
The opening of the 2019 Bravo! Vail Music Festival was beset by last-minute programme changes and inclement weather – yet proved to be a rousing success, as Charlotte Smith reports
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FeatureCellist Jian Wang on the importance of slow practice
The Chinese artist explains why his method of practising hand movements has its origin in the jungle
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Feature6 thoughts on performance and interpretation from Kyung Wha Chung
The Korean star spoke to The Strad in February 1989 about her musical ideas and influences
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FeatureRenaud Capuçon: Life Lessons
The French soloist talks to Tom Stewart about developing perspective, what teaching has taught him and how he learns from his own students
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FeatureIn focus: a c.1710 violin by Pieter Rombouts
Hubert De Launay examines an Amsterdam violin with an explosively flamed back and tons of rich, red varnish
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FeatureHouse of cards: Paganini’s doomed casino venture
The great virtuoso’s greed and gambling addiction almost cost him his fortune. Stewart Pollens tells the story of bad business and legal hot water
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FeatureRemembering the great violinist David Oistrakh
Julian Haylock examines the technical poise, interpretative focus and musical humility that made the player a violinistic ideal
