All Focus articles – Page 59
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FocusRemembering Henryk Szeryng
To mark the 100th anniversary of the Polish-Mexican virtuoso’s birth, Henryk Szeryng’s widow Waltraud shares her memories of a man who dedicated all aspects of his life to exactitude. Interview by Julian Haylock
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FocusDo violin making competitions stifle originality in favour of perfection?
Peter Somerford asks what luthiers should do to maximise their success when entering a competition, and whether winning really is everything
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FocusPrimavera: Lightweight entry-level violin case
This lightweight, entry-level case for violin or viola features a Styrofoam shell designed to provide thermal insulation and protection against damage from accidental impacts. The case, available in a shaped model weighing 1.05kg and an oblong version weighing 1.61kg, includes a full-length music pocket, a stitched handle, ...
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FocusThe Tonara teaching and practice app
Using artificial intelligence to help make practice more useful and rewarding
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FocusBritish Airways in the spotlight as violinist complains of boarding drama
Savitri Grier was asked to place her on-loan Goffriller violin in the hold but was eventually allowed to board when cabin crew was consulted
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FocusWhat's the difference between a £1,000 and a £20,000 violin?
How do violin dealers and auction houses settle on the prices of instruments in the ‘middle range’ – and what should a potential buyer bear in mind when browsing?
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FocusRuggiero Ricci 100th anniversary: a photographic timeline
When the great violinist and teacher died in 2012, at the age of 94, these photos were included in our tribute to an extraordinarily long and celebrated career
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FocusMasterclass: Daniel Hope on 'Winter' from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
The British violinist offers ideas on how to conjure a frosty chill through your violin playing. From the January 2015 issue
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FocusAsk the Experts: how to eliminate tension in the bow arm and hand
Three teachers give their thoughts on eliminating right hand, arm and shoulder tension in a young student
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FocusMoonkyung Lee: add a 21st-century miniature to your recital
The violinist delves into one of the contemporary pieces from her latest album and explains why expanding the instrument’s repertoire is not just worthwhile but alo fun and exciting
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FocusSentimental work: Jennifer Koh on Kaija Saariaho’s 'Graal théâtre'
Saariaho’s violin concerto contains multiple layers of meaning for the US violinist – as well as a personal connection with the composer
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FocusIn focus: the 1686 'Helvetica' Stradivari
In this article from the December 2015 issue, David Bonsey takes a look at a violin from early in its maker’s career, but already a few steps along a crucial design evolution
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FocusBaroque violin: How to get the most out of a bow stroke
Bow control and son filé with Simon Standage, professor of Baroque violin at the Royal Academy of Music and leader of the Salomon Quartet
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FocusNew materials: Comparing violin tops made from various composites
Tim Duerinck reports on a research project investigating the possibilities of flax, carbon, aramid and more in violin making, while describing the surprisingly simple methods luthiers could use to create their own
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Focus7 tips from the class of Jascha Heifetz
Sherry Kloss was Heifetz’s student and later teaching assistant – he even left her a Tononi violin and a Tourte bow in his will. Here she recalls some of the master’s methods
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FocusJoshua Bell: Don't impose bowings and fingerings on your students
There is no ‘one size fits all’, argues the American violinist. It is important to discuss why students chose their fingerings and why there may be better alternatives
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FocusPickup or microphone? Choosing what's right for your bowed string instrument
With such a variety of electronic pickups, microphones and now hybrid systems on the market, finding the perfect amplification solution isn’t always easy. Kimon Daltas considers the options
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FocusIn focus: cello by Giovanni Grancino, 1693
In this article from the January 2006 issue of The Strad, Ed Keohane studies a cello which had just been sold at Sotheby’s for nearly £210,000. Photographs by Richard Valencia
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FocusThe Strad poster: the 1741 ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri
Additional measurements including weights and densities of the top and back plates
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FocusLeonard Bernstein centenary: his contribution to string playing
In this extract from an article exploring the great composer and conductor’s string legacy, Tully Potter takes a close look at the creation of his violin concerto in all but name, the Serenade after Plato’s Symposium
