All Focus articles – Page 43
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FocusCello varnish badly damaged in calamitous hand sanitiser spill
The repair job on the instrument’s coating took more than 80 hours
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FocusNobuko Imai: Life Lessons
An encounter with her instrument’s human qualities was a turning point for the Japanese violist, who looks back over a long career
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FocusHow did David Oistrakh’s interpretations evolve over his lifetime?
The development of the great violinists from fresh young artists to profound musical thinkers can be charted through their recorded interpretations. Nathaniel Vallois uses his time in lockdown to examine changes in the playing style of some of the best-known names
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Focus‘It is important to practise proactively rather than reactively’ – Daniel Levitov
Ideas to help you experiment, and to find new sounds and means of expression on your instrument
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FocusThe Dover Quartet on the idea of the ‘hypermetre’
The ensemble discusses a concept that is not often taught or discussed in musical circles
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FocusForgotten by violinists: Brahms’s op.120 Sonatas
The violin version of Brahms’s op.120 Sonatas has been forgotten by violinists since being championed by Joseph Joachim and Marie Soldat-Roeger. With her new CD release, violinist Jenna Sherry argues the case for considering them as violin sonatas
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Focus‘The right-hand thumb absorbs movement like a skier’s legs’ - cellist Leonard Rose
Leonard Rose was principal cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, and a professor at the Juilliard School and Curtis Institute. His velvety tone was the result of complete mastery of the bow arm - Oskar Falta shares some of his bowing theories
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Focus‘I was too scared to touch it until recently’ – Frank Peter Zimmermann on Bartók’s Solo Violin Sonata
To tie in with his new recording, the violinist explains why he was so terrified at the prospect of playing Bartók’s Solo Violin Sonata
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FocusFour alternative methods to make sure your practice efforts survive the pressures of performance
A violist with a background in neuroscience, Molly Gebrian shares some alternative practice methods informed by studies on how our brain processes learning
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Gregory Harrington: creating a new work for the violin repertoire
The violinist draws on his experience of transcribing Philip Glass’s music to offer general advice on the transcription process
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FocusThe concert café that Covid could not close
Justin Pearson interviews conductor Raffaello Morales and cellist Steven Isserlis about the Fidelio Orchestra Café, which is putting on performances during the pandemic
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FocusRewiring ourselves to play without fear
In the third of a four-part series, Gwendolyn Masin, concert violinist, author and educator, explains how we can harness breath, meditation and yoga practice to help us play without fear
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FocusGuy Johnston: Life Lessons
The British cellist reflects on transformative experiences in the US and returning as a teacher to his old student haunts
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Focus5 ways in which learning new violin styles can train your musical ear
Too often string teachers shy away from embracing styles outside the Western classical canon, but in doing so they’re ignoring a wealth of useful skills and techniques, writes Julie Lyonn Lieberman
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Focus‘You’re never truly ready, but at a certain point you just have to dive in and do it,’ – Dover Quartet on recording Beethoven
After twelve years together, the Dover Quartet is marking its graduation to the ranks of mature ensembles with a new Beethoven recording cycle and a residency at the Curtis Institute. The players speak to Charlotte Smith
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FocusThe Strad Calendar 2021; Nicolas Lupot cello 1823
The Lupot cello is a wonderful piece of controlled craftsmanship, and bears his personal signature on the back
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Focus‘I’ve always been fascinated about how the mind works’ – Midori
Toby Deller finds out how the Japanese-American violinist combined a Psychology degree with a busy solo career
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FocusWhat is it like to play Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s own violin?
Christoph Koncz, principal second violinist of the Vienna Philharmonic, shares his experience
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FocusHow has COVID-19 affected the Italian lutherie business?
Violin makers worldwide were hit hard by the Covid-19 outbreak as the customers dried up – nowhere more so than in Italy. Peter Somerford speaks to some of the country’s makers to find out how the industry is gradually getting back on its feet
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FocusThe Strad Calendar 2021: Francesco and Giovanni Grancino viola c.1665
The varnish of the Grancino is most beautiful and wonderfully well preserved
