All Focus articles – Page 53
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FocusDiscovering Ysaÿe’s lost sonata
In 2017 violinist Philippe Graffin discovered a previously unknown three-movement work by Eugène Ysaÿe: his original Sixth Solo Violin Sonata. As his recording of the piece is released, he speaks to Chloe Cutts about completing the composition.
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FocusPostcard from Shanghai: Viva la Viola festival
Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s biennial Viva la Viola festival returned for its sixth instalment in November, turning the spotlight on one of the most underrated instruments in China, writes Nancy Pellegrini
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Focus7 tips for giving a child their first violin lesson
Géza Szilvay, co-founder of the Colourstrings method, gives advice for how a teacher should approach the very first violin lesson with a young beginner student
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FocusArabella Steinbacher's top 5 practice tips
The German violinist shares her personal favourite practice habits
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FocusSentimental work: Gautier Capuçon on Schumann
The French cellist finds a whole universe of sound in Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro and the op.73 Fantasiestücke – as well as huge scope for experimentation
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FocusLife Lessons: 3 questions for Hilary Hahn
Adrenalin can be helpful, says the American violinist, but you should never forget the true reasons for performance
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FocusBruno Philippe on the attraction of gut strings
This month, young French cellist Bruno Philippe releases his first album as an official Harmonia Mundi artist. In this extract from our February cover story, he chats with Charlotte Gardner about the merits of gut strings
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FocusIn focus: 1751 violin by G.B. Guadagnini
One of two by the maker owned by Adolph Brodsky, it has a good claim to being the one on which he premiered the Tchaikovsky concerto, writes Stewart Pollens
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FocusDiscovering Bartók, Ligeti and Kurtág in 3 seminal works
Casals Quartet violist Jonathan Brown chooses three key chamber pieces by the giants of Hungarian music
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FocusWhat repertoire should you play for your first recording?
Choosing the repertoire for your first album isn’t easy. Charlotte Gardner talks to those in the recording business about how to make an informed decision.
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FocusCharlie Siem's top 5 practice tips
Ahead of his performance at Cadogan Hall, the violinist shares his knowledge
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Focus10 tips for a successful conservatoire audition
Mark Messenger, head of strings at the Royal College of Music, reveals what conservatoire audition panels are looking for
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FocusBach: Six Sonatas and Partitas for Violin Alone
Rachel Barton Pine’s new edition of the scores for these staples of the violin repertoire is meticulous, generous and stimulating
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FocusPostcard from Munich: the 2018 ARD International Music Competition
The viola and piano trio category winners of the Munich event demonstrated an exceptional level of maturity and insight, writes Chloe Cutts
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FocusIn focus: c.1737 cello by G.F. Celoniato
From a Turinese maker with a relatively short but successful career, from which only a handful of instruments survive, comes this elegant cello. Article by Simon Morris
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FocusBaiba Skride's top 5 practice tips
The Latvian violinist, whose American Concertos CD is reviewed in our January issue, shares her wisdom
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FocusThomas Albertus Irnberger: 5 reasons to play Martinů
To tie in with our review of his Martinů CD, the violinist explains why he loves the Czech composer’s music
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FocusThe 'Four Circles' system of violin making
Luthier Kevin Kelly explains his ‘Four Circles’ system for instrument design, adaptable to violins, violas and cellos
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FocusTurtle Island Quartet techniques: chop, slide and hickety mute
Members of the genre-crossing ensemble share some of the unusual techniques they use to give them their unique sound
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FocusFrom the archive: Technique or tone?
This article from The Strad, September 1954, argues that the trend among students of pursuing mechanical brilliance at the expense of beauty of tone is misguided
