All Featured Stories articles – Page 71
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BlogsFinding solace in Solo Bach during the pandemic: Greg Ewer
The violinist illustrates how he, fellow string players and other instrumentalists found comfort in Bach’s solo string works during the uncertain climate of Covid-19 lockdowns
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FocusMy audition journey: Alexandra Gorski, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
The Ukrainian-US violinist tells her story of landing the associate concertmaster role with the Sofia Philharmonic, including the additional solo challenges involved in auditioning for a titled position
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FocusFrom the Archive: December 1951
In his lifetime, Tossy Spivakovsky (1906–98) was known for his innovative bowing style. Samuel Applebaum visits him at home to learn his secrets
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FocusOpinion: Playing the game
In addition to technical mastery, musicians need to understand the ‘game rules’ of every performing tradition and musical culture, write Dudok Quartet Amsterdam musicians Judith van Driel and David Faber
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FocusA Violinist’s Practical Guide to Maintenance, Adjustment, Strings and more
In an exclusive video premiere, violinist Daniel Kurganov and violin maker Andrew Ryan discuss tips and tricks on instrument care, maintenance, acoustical understanding, tonal adjustment, proper string care, with the aim to share a practical understanding of how the violin works, and important practices every violinist should know
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NewsThe subversive power of the encore according to violinist Pekka Kuusisto
Before his trip to China was cancelled, the Finnish violinist planned to use his encore to protest against the country’s human rights record
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Focus‘Arm weight, contact point and bow speed’ - How to create a full sound with musical intention
Bassist Christine Hoock shares examples of short pieces from double bass repertoire that can help players develop their sound and phrasing through balanced technique
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FocusA moving tale: Travelling with a double bass
Fitting a double bass on an aeroplane or in the back of a van can present serious difficulties. Gary Karr’s agent Jane Davis shares her the tricks of the trade, in this interview from November 1999
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FocusA story’s end: Postcard from Mondsee
Running from 27 August to 6 September, this year’s Musiktage Mondsee was the final edition to be directed by the Auryn Quartet. Laurence Vittes witnessed stylish performances amid stunning Austrian scenery – a fitting farewell to the 40-year-old ensemble
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Focus‘Make it sing’ - Thomas Martin on playing Bottesini
Bass player Thomas Martin shares his thoughts on the music of Bottesini, in this extract from the Winter 2000 issue of the now discontinued magazine, Double Bassist
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FeatureSentimental Work: François Rabbath
Performing Bach’s Cello Suites on the double bass was unheard of when the 90-year-old bassist was starting out – but now they’re almost considered standard repertoire
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FocusDouble bass technique: Back muscles, weight, and flexibility in the right hand
How to get the most out of your body when playing the double bass, by Dan Styffe, principal bassist for the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music
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Focus‘You have to follow what it is you really want to do’ - Abel Selaocoe
South African cellist-singer-composer Abel Selaocoe speaks to Tom Stewart about his unique style of music making
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FocusDouble bass beginners should play in all left-hand positions
Thomas Martin pinpoints some common technical problems for young bassists and insists that beginners shouldn't be restricted to playing in the lower positions. From the May 2014 issue
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Focus10 points to help you handle performance anxiety
Violinist and performance consultant Berenice Beverley Zammit shares some helpful reminders for those dealing with stage fright, including why you should regard yourself as a superhero
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Focus‘Surrounded by musicians and immersed in music’ - the early life of Giovanni Bottesini
In our December 2021 issue, Stephen Street examines early influences on the virtuoso bass player, composer and conductor
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Blogs‘Bartók has been with me for a long time and is irrevocably linked to my personal story’ - Violinist Franziska Pietsch
As a violinist who grew up in East Germany and moved to the West, Franziska Pietsch examines the parallels between her childhood and Béla Bartók’s inner turmoil of emigrating to the US, in recording her new album Bartók - The Quiet Revolutionary
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BlogsFrank Bridge’s Concerto Elegiaco ‘Oration’ – a listening guide by cellist Gabriel Schwabe
Cellist Gabriel Schwabe provides commentary and audio examples from his newest album featuring a lesser-known work by Frank Bridge
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BlogsPositive audition preparation outcomes – even when you don’t get the job
While the process may be daunting, repetitive and sometimes demoralising, there is huge value to be found in preparing for auditions. Online editor and cellist Davina Shum examines five positive things to take away from preparing for orchestral auditions
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FocusThe ideal candidate: Preparing for orchestral auditions
Charles Noble offers tips to violists seeking an orchestral job in this extract from July 1999
