All Focus articles – Page 23
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #38: Eldbjørg Hemsing on Norwegian music
The violinist outlines the history of classical and folk music in Norway and illustrates her sentimentality behind the sound of her home country
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FocusChallenges at the bench: mental health and luthiers
Mental illness is often comorbid with chronic physical conditions, resulting in multiple challenges for many luthiers, as Peter Somerford examines
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FocusA string quartet is an ‘instrument’ that students must master
Graham Oppenheimer, senior chamber music tutor at Chetham’s School of Music, shares some of his teaching strategies for school-age students
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Focus‘Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people in the trade’: how to enter the lutherie profession
In this extract from March 2022, luthiers reflect on their early professional experiences and give advice to those entering the profession
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #37: Paris Andrew from Women in Lutherie
’It feels good to have a space where women can be talking about issues. It can feel comforting, but at the same time, it’s infuriating how many of these stories we come across’
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Focus'A very supportive role': 8 tips for second violinists
Views on second violin playing from experienced orchestral and chamber performers
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FocusFranck Chevalier: Life Lessons
As he marks 25 years with the Diotima Quartet, the French violist talks about life as a chamber musician and the importance of conversing with peers
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FocusA ‘Taylor-made’ concerto: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s collaboration with violinist Maud Powell
How the composer and violinist overcame prejudices of the day and logistical challenges to premiere a new violin concerto successfully
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FocusMy experience: Sagnick Mukherjee, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Sagnick Makherjee shares how his love for cross-disciplinary music making and encouragement from teachers inspired him to pursue a masters degree in Glasgow
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Focus8 pieces of advice for happy string quartets
Words of instruction and inspiration on quartet playing from the pages of The Strad
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FocusA glimpse into the lives of two mid-century female violinists – both called Shapiro
Though unrelated by birth, US violinists Eudice Shapiro and Frances Shapiro (later Magnes) forged parallel careers which provide a fascinating insight into the lives of female musicians during the mid-20th century, writes Tully Potter
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #36: Coco Tomita on forging a solo career during the pandemic
The young violinist shares her experiences of the last two years, as well as the time she was lucky enough to play on a Stradivari violin
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FocusMusical groundbreakers: Ševčík’s female pupils
At the beginning of the 20th century, a small number of female violinists became internationally renowned. Linking the members of this intrepid group was the famous Czech string teacher Otakar Ševčík, as Rosalind Ventris discovers
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FocusSentimental Work: Jennifer Pike
For the British violinist, Szymanowski’s Violin Sonata in D minor brings back fond memories of old holidays, family reunions and a three-concert marathon in 2017
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Focus‘Slightly grotesque but always so full of colour’- Laura van der Heijden on her latest recording
Cellist Laura van der Heijden speaks to Tom Stewart about her latest recording of Czech and Hungarian music
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FocusA learned crowd: Postcard from Cambridge
The Cambridge Music Festival marked its 30th anniversary in the unusual format of two instalments during 2021. Toby Deller attended three performances during the autumn celebrations
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FocusDeveloping arm, wrist and finger vibrato
Rok Klopčič takes a look at different types of vibrato through the eyes of the great teachers and players - from the June 2003 issue
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Focus‘You are forced to listen when there is no conductor’
Jacqueline Vanasse examines how performing without a conductor encourages individual players to listen and take responsibility, in this extract from the March 2022 issue
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FocusMy experience: Violinist Lisa Archontidi-Tsaldaraki, Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme
The London-based violinist reminisces about the various instruments she has borrowed from the scheme that have enabled achievements throughout her musical journey
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FocusWhy can't players get vibrato right?
Vibrating need not compromise purity of tone if it's done tastefully, says Tully Potter, who takes to task those who overplay, misplay or completely disown it. From October 2009
