All Focus articles – Page 22
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Focus
Three copies of Stradivari’s ‘Titian’ violin
In this extract from the January 2022 issue, Jesús Alejandro Torres introduces a study in which three copies of Stradivari’s ‘Titian’ violin were made from wood of different densities
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The Strad Podcast Episode #28: Alexandra Conunova on losing her Guadagnini violin
Conunova’s violin was seized by customs officials at Chișinău airport in October 2021. She shares what happened on that day, as well as how she finally managed to get the instrument back after two months
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Stepping up: Postcard from Munich
Held every three years, the Hindemith International Viola Competition moved beyond its local origins to become a truly world-class event in 2021 – and a fitting tribute to its namesake, as Carlos María Solare reports
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How should a double bassist prepare to play Bach’s Cello Suites?
Virtuoso bassist and conservatoire professor Leon Bosch explains how he introduces the Bach Cello Suites to his students
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What is true violin legato?
In an exclusive video premiere, violinist Daniel Kurganov examines the art of legato and what violinists can learn from singers
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Masterclass: Bach Cello Suite no.5, Prélude, by Jean-Guihen Queyras
Practical tips to help you master the challenges of this most fundamental of repertoire
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The final five bars of the Prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite in D minor
Mats Lidström, the Leo Stern Professor of Cello at London’s Royal Academy of Music, examines the curious and sudden omission of rhythm and flow in the final five bars of Bach’s Prelude in D minor for solo cello, in this extract from the January 2022 issue
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Opinion: To speak plainly
Teaching a young student with Down’s syndrome has taught Jacqueline Vanasse the value of simple concepts and hands-on rewards
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Happy birthday, Janine Jansen!
7 January is the birthday of the acclaimed Dutch violinist, who featured as The Strad’s October 2021 cover star
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The Strad Podcast Episode #27: Kian Soltani on Shostakovich Cello Concerto no.1
’You’ve got to be in shape to play this piece. You have to have the courage to not give everything right away’
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Playing with a relaxed fourth finger by violinist Ros Stephen
Ros Stephen, author of the Oxford University Press Globetrotters series and Violinworks method books, gives exercises and advice to help string players reach fourth finger notes without straining
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‘Great playing starts at the feet’
Alexander Technique specialist Alun Thomas uses a case study to illustrate how performance success stems from a grounding awareness of one’s feet
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5 Ways Isolation Causes Bow Arm Fatigue
Taubman Approach specialists Edna Golandsky and Sophie Till examine how proper alignment in the right arm can help eliminate tension and allow for fluidity when bowing
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The Strad Podcast Episode #26: Alun Thomas on Alexander Technique
’We need to find a way of getting out of our own way, to stop the things that we don’t need’
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‘People hadn’t heard live music for so long, and were so happy and grateful for the experience’ - Steven Isserlis on performing Bach
The January 2022 cover star speaks to Charlotte Smith about studying the Bach Cello Suites in the form of his new companion book, as well as performing during the pandemic
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Amit Peled: Life Lessons
The Israeli–American cellist talks about body awareness and the importance of taking the initiative
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My 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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The Strad Podcast Episode #25: Leia Zhu on performance and outreach
’It’s very exciting to be able to bring the live experience to the community. Hopefully they have a great time and fall in love with classical music!’
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From 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