All Feature articles – Page 6
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13 rules of desk partner etiquette
Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh offered these tips for a harmonious musical relationship in our September 2004 issue
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The Strad guide to the best handmade electric violins
For maximum thrills, it’s hard to beat an electric violin at full throttle. There are many factory models, but here Christian Garrick test-drives some of the most innovative handmade instruments available today
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Leon Bosch on playing Bach on the bass
A firm believer in exploring the instrument’s own repertoire, the double bassist is wary of too many awkward and unsatisfying arrangements
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In focus: c.1767 violin by G.B. Gabrielli
Kai Dase takes a close look at a violin by one of the finest and most influential Florentine makers of the 18th century
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Blaze of glory: Postcard from Montreal
At the Montreal International Musical Competition, Tom Stewart heard a winning performance full of fire among a seriously impressive field of contestants
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First principles of violin making: Music of the Spheres
In an age of little numeracy or literacy, how did luthiers settle on the proportions of stringed instruments, with hardly any variation in their basic design? François Denis shows how the principles of the classical Greeks – notably Pythagoras – informed their thinking
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Natalie Clein – Life Lessons
The British cellist recalls her time studying with Heinrich Schiff in Vienna, and the authors and recordings that still inspire her today
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Postcard from Odense
This year’s Carl Nielsen International Violin Competition, which took place in March, succeeded not only as a joyous celebration of the composer’s music, but in bringing together exciting young players set to make their mark on the world stage, writes Charlotte Smith
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Life Lessons: Matthew Barley
The British cellist on memory, nationalism and his long journey – via a skiing accident – to technical confidence
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A Royal Occasion – Postcard from Windsor
A castle setting, an enticing top prize and some highly promising string players were what Tom Stewart encountered at the Windsor Festival International String Competition final in March
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Julia Fischer and Vadim Gluzman on Shostakovich's violin sonata
Fifty years ago, David Oistrakh premiered Shostakovich’s violin sonata. Here Andrew Morris discusses the work with Julia Fischer and Vadim Gluzman
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Violinist Christian Tetzlaff on studying with Uwe-Martin Haiberg
The German musician's lessons with Haiberg at the Lübeck Musikhochschule were intimidating, but ultimately invaluable
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The viola should sound like a human voice, says Nobuko Imai
Innate sympathy for the instrument combined with solid training were the backdrop to Amsterdam Conservatoire professor Nobuko Imai's love-affair with the viola
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How to impress a conservatoire audition panel
'When you're ready...' These three little words needn't chill your spine in the audition room; Joanne Talbot asks the examiners what they're looking for when you stand in front of them
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American cellist Jeffrey Solow on studying with Gregor Piatigorsky
Cellist Jeffrey Solow spent five remarkable years in the elite cello class of Gregor Piatigorsky at the University of Southern California. Here he remembers lessons with the great master
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Practical tips for launching a chamber ensemble
If you want to establish a chamber group, playing well is only the beginning. Tully Potter offers some practical advice to help groups make an impression and stay ahead
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Introducing the 'chop': a rhythmic accompaniment for jazz and pop music
Darol Anger finds a solution for string ensembles performing contemporary music without drums or percussion
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How to improvise on the violin
Throw down your music and join in the fun. You too can learn to improvise and you can even teach somebody else, writes former Turtle Island String Quartet violinist Tracy Silverman
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Studying the violin with Ivan Galamian
Since his death Ivan Galamian has passed into legend as perhaps the greatest teacher the string world will ever know. Barbara L. Sand asked some of his ex-pupils whether their former master really lived up to his reputation