All Focus articles – Page 69
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FocusWhat I'd tell my younger self – double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku
©Eric Richmond The following is published as part of a larger ‘Life Lessons’ interview with Chi-chi Nwanoku in The Strad’s September 2017 issue, out now – download the issue on desktop computer or via the The Strad App, or buy the print edition. My parents raised ...
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FocusJames Ehnes on recording the Walton Viola Concerto
In June this year the Canadian violinist joined conductor Edward Gardner and the BBC Symphony Orchestra in the studio to record a concerto on his second instrument, the viola
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FocusFrom the archive: the 'Duport' Stradivarius cello played by Rostropovich
These photos were published in the October 1988 issue of The Strad in an article by Edward Sainati about 19th-century French cellist August Franchomme
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FocusRalph Kirshbaum discusses the personal significance of the Elgar Cello Concerto
In the ‘Sentimental Work’ column in the August 2017 issue of The Strad, the US cellist and pedagogue tells how the Elgar Concerto has played a part in some of his most memorable and emotional concerts
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FocusThe titanium frog - a violinist and a luthier compare notes on the innovation
Violinist Peter Herresthal and luthier Christophe Landon recall how a performance of Kaija Saariaho’s Graal théâtre led to the debut of a new titanium bow frog
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Focus‘I always go for bigger double bass sections’ - conductor Donald Runnicles
The Scottish conductor and music director of the Grand Teton Music Festival shares his preference for large double bass sections in his orchestras
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FocusSession Report: Pavel Haas Quartet reunites with former viola for Dvořák quintet
For the Pavel Haas Quartet, recording Dvořák’s String Quintet op.97 and Piano Quintet op.81 is the ideal way to celebrate old friendships with music from the New World. Tom Stewart reports from Prague
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FocusCollé: Kurt Sassmannshaus on mastering a crucial bow technique
Kurt Sassmannshaus, chair of classical violin at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, director of the Great Wall Music Academy, Beijing, and founder of violinmasterclass.com, discusses the bow stroke that forms the beginning of any effective martelé
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FocusStradivari’s wood: investigating the chemical composition of the master's materials
For centuries, luthiers have suspected that the spruce and maple used by Antonio Stradivari had special qualities, and a recent series of experiments has sought to confirm or deny these suspicions. Here lead researcher Hwang-Ching Tai explains the methodology and findings
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FocusMy most memorable musical experience – Joshua Bell
A wayward shoulder rest nearly ruins the violinist’s first appearance with a world-class orchestra, aged just 14
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FocusBlind testing Strads and Guarneris misses a fundamental point
Researchers who seek to compare Old Italian instruments with modern ones under scientific conditions don’t appreciate that the potential of a Strad is intrinsically entwined with its player, writes Frank Almond
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FocusCellist Steven Isserlis receives Cobbett Medal for services to chamber music
Inaugurated in 1924 and endowed by Walter Willson Cobbett, the medal is presented annually to a musician for services to chamber music
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FocusWhat is the best scale system for string students?
The Strad's panel of teaching experts answer reader questions as part of the magazine's Teacher talk series
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FocusHow do you choose instrumental repertoire for a student?
The Strad's panel of experts answer string teaching questions from readers as part of our Teacher Talk series
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FocusPlaying the double bass with little hands, by bassist Thierry Barbé
The Paris National Opera Orchestra principal bassist discusses how smaller musicians can avoid injury when playing this large instrument
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FocusAsk the Experts: can beginner violin lessons be given by a cellist?
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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FocusConductor Hannu Lintu on what makes a competition winner
Performing as a soloist with an orchestra can be a nerve-wracking experience, particularly for competition finalists who have very little rehearsal time, Hannu Lintu tells Pauline Harding
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FocusOne of the most valuable things I've learned - luthier Gregg Alf
The American maker talks about the importance of spending quality time with string players
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FocusHow to avoid tension in the bow arm, by cellist Bonnie Hampton
A good strong sound comes from a flexible bow hold and relaxed bowing arm, says the former Juilliard School professor
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FocusLight stringed instrument cases for airline travel
Almost every month, string players report another travel nightmare caused by flying with their instruments. Femke Colborne investigates how case manufacturers are addressing the challenges they face
