Featured Stories – Page 28
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BlogsExploring Bartók’s Viola Concerto: Yuri Zhislin
What makes this concerto unique and challenging? Violist/violinist Yuri Zhislin delves into the simple, yet sophisticated musical language of the composer, ahead of an album release of Bartók’s works on 24 May
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FocusMy tech set-up: violinist Casey Driessen
In our Accessories 2024 supplement, US five-string fiddler shares his go-to tech accessories
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Premium ❘ FocusPostcard from Utrecht: Netherlands Violin Competition and Night of the Violin festival
Laurence Vittes found himself impressed by the talent at the Netherlands Violin Competition in Utrecht, as well as swept away by the diverse array of non-classical styles at its sister Night of the Violin festival
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BlogsComposer Sophia Jani on her Six Pieces for Solo Violin
With a new album released on 17 May, composer Sophia Jani reflects on writing works for violinist Teresa Allgaier, as well as taking inspiration from idiomatic violin techniques
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BlogsSeasons Interrupted: a cellist reflects on climate change
Trey Lee discusses the climate crisis through the lens of music across the eras, in line with his new album Seasons Interrupted, out on 17 May
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BlogsWho was violinist Isolde Menges?
As Biddulph Recordings releases a 2-CD set of the violinist’s historic recordings on 17 May, learn more about Isolde Menges’s illustrious career and influence
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BlogsShining a light on Poldowski: violinist Gwendolyn Masin
Poldowski was the pen name of Irena Regina Wieniawski - Henryk’s daughter. With 16 May marking Poldowski’s birth date, Masin explores the tricky territory of her unknown work Tango
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Premium ❘ FeatureCellist Laura van der Heijden: new ways of thinking
Although British cellist Laura van der Heijden is well versed in live performance and studio recording, she is still discovering new facets of her musical personality, as Toby Deller finds out
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BlogsRight-arm eloquence: the Germanification of cellist Beatrice Harrison
Adrian Bradbury explores how the cellist Beatrice Harrison took inspiration from the German school of cello playing, particularly in regards to her bowing technique, and how this gave her the edge over her English contemporary players
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Premium ❘ FocusSentimental Work: Christian Poltéra on Ravel’s Sonata for violin and cello
The challenges of Ravel’s Sonata for violin and cello led to a memorable encounter between the Swiss cellist and his childhood hero, Mstislav Rostropovich
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Premium ❘ Feature‘The lama was a clever performer’ - From the archive: May 1894
T. L. Phipson recounts an impromptu recital by a lama in a remote Mongolian village, on an instrument that, from its description, may have been a morin khuur
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Focus6 tips for improved coordination
Guidance from The Strad’s archive for greater synchronisation between left-hand fingers and bow
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FocusNumbness of the fingers in violinists: what causes it and how can you fix it?
J.L.H. Thomas delves into a physical exploration of what causes numbness, as well as exercises to help strengthen muscles to alleviate its symptoms
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Premium ❘ FeatureGeminiani’s scales: a portal to the past
Geminiani’s scale exercises in his seminal 1751 treatise The Art of Playing on the Violin may look puzzlingly random to modern eyes, but violinist Benjamin Shute argues that they can reveal useful insights into the thinking behind performance practice of the time
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NewsHow I created a dedicated bass part for the sextet version of Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante: Uxia Martinez-Botana
Achieving sounds ranging between delicacy and boldness, as well as everything in between, the double bassist shares her thoughts and advice on fulfilling multiple roles in a chamber arrangement of Mozart’s work, which was recently performed at the Solsberg Festival
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FocusPractice diary: cellist Jan Vogler
The German cellist gets to grips with gut strings, Schumann, Elgar and Kabalevsky. From April 2016
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Focus11 stretching exercises for musicians
Do you feel tired and stiff after performing? Pilates instructor John Black explains how some simple stretching exercises can make all the difference
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BlogsCommunity, outreach and fun: violinist Yevgeny Kutik on the Birch Festival
The violinist speaks about the motivation behind setting up a festival in the Berkshires, MA, ahead of its second edition from 18 to 20 May 2024
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Premium ❘ Focus‘Dream big and give yourself time to try things out’ - violinist Tim Kliphuis’s life lessons
The Dutch violinist recalls his journey to discovering his own distinct style and sound
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Premium ❘ FeatureCreation and evolution: Manchester Collective
Manchester Collective is an ensemble that doesn’t shy away from either transporting its listeners to unexpected places, or embracing change within its own identity. Members including co‑founder and violinist Rakhi Singh talk to David Kettle about the group’s unique philosophy
