All Focus articles
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FocusWho was Alma Moodie?
Australian-born violinist Alma Moodie was a celebrated performer in her day – a protégée of Carl Flesch who collaborated with many leading composers. However, her contribution to the violin canon has been largely forgotten, writes Tatjana Goldberg
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Violinist Ida Haendel on Brahms's Violin Concerto
In a special tribute to Ida Haendel, we are republishing some archive content related to the late violinist. Here is she is, explaining why the Brahms concerto is such a demanding and an inspirational piece of music
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Harrogate International Festivals to put on virtual arts weekender
The HIF Weekender runs from 23-26 July
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What does it feel like to give an online chamber concert?
Rachel Atkinson, cellist of the Fidelio Quartet, shares her experience of playing with her chamber ensemble in the recently-created Melbourne Digital Concert Hall
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Ida Haendel making her first appearance in The Strad in 1937
In a special tribute to Ida Haendel, we are re-publishing content related to the late violinist. Here, in our March 1937 issue, our correspondent predicts great things for a 14-year-old violinist who may have actually only been 9 at the time
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Opera is key to string playing
The British cellist Adrian Bradbury explains why string players should be open to learning from the operatic tradition
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Journey to change – towards a better understanding of ourselves
In the first of a four-part series, Gwendolyn Masin, concert violinist, author and educator, explains the importance of movement therapy for musicians
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Dominik Wagner and Patricia Kopatchinskaja on writing their own cadenzas
Cadenza writing has enjoyed a renewed surge in popularity over recent years. In this article by Pauline Harding, two soloists - Dominik Wagner and Patricia Kopatchinskaja - talk about their individual approaches to writing cadenzas
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Jennifer Pike: Life Lessons
Trust your gut, stick to your guns and enjoy what you’re doing, says the British violinist
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Remembering fine violin collector Robert Lewin
Robert (Bob) Lewin wrote The Strad market report for 50 years and was an eminent British collector of String instruments and bows. His nephew, Michael Lewin, remembers his uncle, and how his legacy helps thousands of young musicians around the UK today
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How to put on a live concert in the time of Covid-19
Keith Stanfield, a violinist and former footballer, recently put on a live classical music performance - the first since the pandemic started in his home town of Kansas City. Here he shares his experience, as well as advice for putting on a live concert in compliance with social distancing regulations ...
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7 tips on adjustments to get the best out of your instrument
The finest Stradivari in the world will sound poor if it is badly set up. Here are some points to consider sourced from our archive
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Forecasting the future: Postcard from Sochi
The 13th Winter International Arts Festival in February presented no fewer than seven world premieres, a Beethoven sonata marathon and a double bass extravaganza, writes Peter Quantrill, who met artistic director Yuri Bashmet
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How to record chamber music in lockdown
Graham Oppenheimer, Senior Chamber Music and Viola tutor at Chetham’s School of Music, gives a step-by-step guide to recording chamber music remotely
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Running an educational chamber music programme remotely
Graham Oppenheimer, Senior Chamber Music and Viola Tutor at Chetham’s School of Music, explains how he managed to transfer the Manchester-based school’s chamber music programme online during the coronavirus lockdown
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A genuine Amati or a clever fake?
Could the cello shown here be one of the eight ‘bass violins’ ordered by Catherine de’ Medici for the court of Charles IX of France? Luthier Filip Kuijken explores the known history of the instrument and considers whether it could be an original Andrea Amati – or a clever fake ...
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Slide rules: 10 thoughts on portamento
Sinning or singing? The transition from one note to another on the same string without a break is a peculiarly sensitive topic, as seen in these clippings from The Strad archive
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5 festivals that hope to go ahead this summer (at least in part)
Although many festivals have been forced to cancel this summer’s plans owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the following are still hoping to go ahead - at least in part - in accordance with social distancing rules
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Nathan Meltzer: Life Lessons
The up-and-coming US violinist on his early years in Austria and summertime chamber music by the sea
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Sarasate’s thoughts on New York
During a two-year concert tour of America, violinist Pablo Sarasate corresponded with his adoptive mother Amélie de Lassabathie in Paris. His surviving letters have been translated for the first time into English by Nicholas Sackman and Bastien Terraz, who present a digest of their contents
