All Focus articles – Page 6
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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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10 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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Bach: 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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8 ways to improve your intonation
Tips and tricks for playing in tune – or giving the impression of playing in tune
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Postcard 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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In 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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Baiba 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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Masterclass: Beethoven’s Cello Sonata no.4
Cellist Lynn Harrell considers challenges and contemporary concepts in the first movement of a sonata conceived entirely in the imagination of a deaf composer
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10 essential pieces for string orchestra
As Endellion Quartet violinist Andrew Watkinson prepares to lead the Guildhall String Ensemble, he tells us his favourite works for strings – and we put them in a convenient playlist
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Thomas 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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The '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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Turtle 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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From 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
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Plane and simple: steel bow planes
Taking inspiration from the design of traditional French bow-making tools, these bow planes are constructed from machine-tooled steel that has been ground and flash-chromed for additional durability. The blades are custom-made by Hock tools and are also available separately. Triangle Strings bow plane from $160, ...
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Integrated 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 ...
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Lloyd 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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6 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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The 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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Life 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
