All Focus articles – Page 61
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FocusFrom the archive: the 1697 'Molitor' Stradivarius
This article by Philip Kass was first published in the December 2010 issue, soon after the instrument had been sold to Anne Akiko Meyers for a then-record $3.6m
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FocusFrom the archive: a violin by Santino Lavazza, c.1720
In the January 2007 issue, John Dilworth took a close look at a violin by one of the lesser known Milanese makers of the 18th century
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FocusMy Space: Benedict Puglisi, Melbourne, Australia
A peek into lutherie workshops around the world with The Strad. From the May 2018 issue [click + to zoom]
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FocusRay Chen on Strads, modern instruments and finding his sound
In the second extract from his cover feature interview in the May 2018 Strad, the violinist talks playing Strads and modern instruments, and personalising his sound
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FocusThe ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘Del Gesù’
Currently the world’s most expensive violin, the 1741 ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ is in a remarkable state of preservation, considering it has been in use for most of its life. In this extract from the first of a two-part article, Terry Borman introduces the instrument’s most celebrated owner
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FocusLeila Josefowicz: on choosing to play a new violin
The violinist talks about giving up on old Italian instruments and opting for a bespoke violin by maker Sam Zygmuntowicz
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FocusFrom the archive: the 1865 ‘Caraman de Chimay’ Vuillaume
In the February 2010 issue, Tim Ingles took a close look at a decorated violin which was part of a now separated quartet of instruments
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FocusMasterclass: Leon Bosch on Dittersdorf’s Double Bass Concerto no.2, first movement
Mastery of the bow, carefully planned fingerings and a resonant sound are the keys to performing this challenging piece. From the September 2014 issue
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FocusA beginner's guide to identifying a Stradivarius
Figuring out the maker of an unknown violin takes a trained eye and a detective’s skill, says luthier John Dilworth. Here he gives his personal perspective on the clues and processes of elimination that help experts pinpoint an instrument’s origins. From the July 2010 issue
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FocusIn my opinion, the Finzi Cello Concerto outshines the Elgar
British cellist Raphael Wallfisch explains why the Finzi concerto is a piece close to his heart – and why he continues to champion it to orchestras around the world
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FocusPostcard from: the String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam
Even the grim January weather could do little to dampen enthusiasm as 21 top ensembles gathered for a series of concerts and masterclasses, writes Tim Homfray
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FocusAlfonso Mosesti, 1924-2018
RAI National Symphony Orchestra concertmaster and prolific concerto soloist with admirers including Karajan, Barbirolli and Sawallisch
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FocusDegrees checklist
Questions to help you find the right course and to prepare you for life as a student
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FocusRay Chen: 'Failure was so much more meaningful towards my overall development'
In this extract from a candid and wide-ranging interview, the violinist remembers leaving his home town of Brisbane, Australia, at the age of 16 to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia – and immediately feeling out of his depth
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FocusBuilding bridges: a photo essay
Have you ever wondered who makes the world’s stringed instrument bridges, and how? In this gallery, we follow the process from tree trunk to blank bridge
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FocusSentimental work: Lynn Harrell on Bloch's Schelomo
For the US cellist, the singing qualities and narrative drive of Bloch’s Schelomo bring evocative memories and spiritual uplift. From the January 2017 issue
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FocusFrom the archive: a 1709 violin by Carlo Tononi
In the January 2009 issue, Simon Morris took a closer look at a violin from Tononi’s Bologna period, before the death of his father Giovanni
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FocusThe Strad Quiz: Gut, mutes and tunings
Ten tough questions on bowed string instruments, their makers, players and music
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FocusSentimental work: David Geringas on Bach's Cello Suite no.1
In this article from 2016, the Lithuanian cellist reflects on how Bach’s Cello Suite no.1 has influenced some of the key moments of his life
