All Focus articles
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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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Focus
The Strad Podcast Episode #23: Pablo Ferrández on Classical cello concertos
’When I’m playing these pieces, I imagine big gestures, a lot of gravity that brings you from one impulse to the next’
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A 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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The Strad Calendar 2022: G.B. Guadagnini cello 1750
The Guadagnini cello has intense deep reddish-brown varnish to spare
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Double 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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‘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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Après un Rêve played on Octobass
Fauré’s classic piece performed on an absolute behemoth of a bass - you may need to listen to this wearing headphones…
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Double 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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10 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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‘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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‘You can combine all those influences into your own playing’ - Hilary Hahn’s violin heroes
In this throwback to an interview from 1999, Hilary Hahn shares why she finds inspiration in the playing of great violinists including Brodsky, Elman, Milstein, Kriesler, Grumiaux and Heifetz
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Alchemy and wood treatment in Cremonese instruments
Wenjie Cai and Hwan-Ching Tai discuss the possible influence of alchemy in Cremonese wood treatment, in this extract from the December 2021 issue
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The Strad Podcast Episode #22: Chad Hoopes on interdisciplinary teaching and learning
’Every student is different, every lesson is different. You have to teach according to the student’
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The ideal candidate: Preparing for orchestral auditions
Charles Noble offers tips to violists seeking an orchestral job in this extract from July 1999
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The Strad Calendar 2022: Michele Angelo Bergonzi violin c.1750
Bergonzi used plain maple for the ribs but opted for a beech scroll with widely projected eyes
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Classical oasis: Postcard from Dubai
This summer, Dubai played host to the InClassica International Music Festival and Middle East Classical Music Academy. Charlotte Smith braved soaring temperatures and an array of Covid travel regulations to witness performances by some of the world’s leading string players
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Focus
My audition journey: Nuno Carapina, Philharmonia Orchestra
The violinist in the Philharmonia Orchestra highlights the importance of being prepared for auditions, including why you should learn the full first movement of your Mozart Concerto
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Focus
Cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca signs with Avanti Arts
The French cellist has been added to the roster of Avanti Arts for worldwide management
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‘Don’t write it down. Remember it!’ - Inside Jascha Heifetz’s teaching studio
Heifetz’s former personal accompanist Ayke Agus recalls the violinist’s incentives and methods for getting the best from his students, in this extract by Enrico Alvares
