All Focus articles – Page 54
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FocusIntegrated instrument and music stand
This modern, height-adjustable instrument stand with integrated lectern is available in walnut, maple or cherrywood. The violin/viola model suspends the instrument from a leather strap, while the cello model rests it on a shelf below. Both versions include a bow hanger. Jolly Stand instrument and music stand ...
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FocusLloyd Swanton on the art of free improvisation
As double bassist of Australian trio the Necks, Lloyd Swanton is an expert in group improvisation. He speaks to Andy Hamilton about maintaining creativity, and making contemporary improvised music accessible
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Focus6 recording tips from Daniel Müller-Schott
The German cellist reveals some of the practical and artistic conditions he got right for his new album of Russian repertoire
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FocusThe Jubilee Quartet’s 4 top tips on practising as an ensemble
Ahead of their upcoming debut album release, the members of the Jubilee Quartet let us in on their working methods
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FocusLife Lessons: Anne-Sophie Mutter
The German violinist talks about the women who shaped her playing and the challenges for classical musicians posed by social media
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Focus5 views on chamber playing by Borodin Quartet legend Rostislav Dubinsky
The Borodin's founding first violinist, who played with the quartet for 30 years from 1945, was interviewed in The Strad shortly before his death in 1997
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FocusIn focus: the 1706 'Brott-Turner/Schumacher' Tecchler cello
Tom Wilder examines an instrument in an excellent state of preservation by the foremost maker of the Roman school. From the September 2014 issue of The Strad
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FocusSentimental work: Rick Stotijn on Joseph Marx’s Adagio
The Adagio by the little-known Austrian composer Joseph Marx provides a unique inspiration for the Dutch double bassist – and an opportunity to perform alongside his sister Christianne
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FocusIsabelle Faust on how playing period instruments has improved her bowing
Our January 2019 issue cover star on bringing her unusually active and flexible right arm technique to bear with a classical Tourte bow and the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Strad
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Focus8 practice tips from Sheku Kanneh-Mason
The British cellist shares his wisdom on practising effectively
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Focus4 reasons why I love Vaughan Williams
The violist Philip Dukes explains his affinity for the British composer’s music
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Focus5 singing string players
We profile some of the multi-talented string players who manage to sing while playing their instrument
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FocusHow do you notate the music of aural tradition?
In this article from our December issue Violinist Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen and cellist Fredrik Schøyen Sjölin from the Danish Quartet speak to Andrew Mellor about the difficulties of notating music passed down by aural tradition
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FocusBlank canvas: unvarnished 5-string instruments
These unvarnished five-string violins and violas are built by a Chinese maker using flamed maple and seasoned spruce. They feature extra-wide necks, extended pegboxes and adjusted bass-bars, and most have one-piece backs. Both designs are based on Stradivari models and include ebony fingerboards, nuts and saddles. While ...
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FocusSteven Isserlis: What we can learn from the great players of the past
In his guest editorial for the Strad’s October 2013 issue, the cellist introduced a focus on what 21st-century artists can learn from some of the greatest players of the previous century
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FocusHair’s breadth: postcard from the Shanghai Isaac Stern Violin Competition
In its second edition, the $100,000 competition was decided by a tiny margin, and showcased many impressive performances along the way. Strad editor Charlotte Smith attended the finals
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FocusAlisa Weilerstein's top 5 tips on maintaining a natural stage presence
The American cellist talks about physical gesture, articulation and the value of taking things slowly
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FocusIn focus: 1850 violin by Giuseppe Rocca
John Dilworth examines a violin from the height of Rocca’s powers, after he left the Pressenda workshop to strike out on his own. From the January 2011 issue of The Strad
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FocusAmandine Beyer's top 5 tips for aspiring Baroque violinists
The French violinist shares her wisdom on giving a convincing historically-informed performance


























