All Focus articles – Page 7
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Focus6 tips for giving a child their first violin lesson
Géza Szilvay, co-founder of the Colourstrings method, gives advice for how a teacher should approach the very first violin lesson with a young beginner student
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Arabella Steinbacher's top 5 practice tips
The German violinist shares her personal favourite practice habits
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Sentimental work: Gautier Capuçon on Schumann
The French cellist finds a whole universe of sound in Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro and the op.73 Fantasiestücke – as well as huge scope for experimentation
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In focus: the 'Sachs' Stradivari of c.1666
John Dilworth takes a close look at one of the very earliest violins attributable to Stradivari
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The thief, his wife and the 'Huberman' Strad
The ‘Gibson, Huberman’ Stradivari now owned by Joshua Bell has a history worthy of a blockbuster thriller. Stolen twice in the 20th century, the second time it remained undiscovered for nearly 50 years despite being played in public regularly by its thief. In this article from January 1998, Carla Shapreau ...
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Life Lessons: 3 questions for Hilary Hahn
Adrenalin can be helpful, says the American violinist, but you should never forget the true reasons for performance
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Life Lessons: François Rabbath
The French-Syrian double bassist considers his unique technical journey, the inspiration he drew from crustaceans, and the benefits of playing a waiting game
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Bruno Philippe on the attraction of gut strings
This month, young French cellist Bruno Philippe releases his first album as an official Harmonia Mundi artist. In this extract from our February cover story, he chats with Charlotte Gardner about the merits of gut strings
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In focus: 1751 violin by G.B. Guadagnini
One of two by the maker owned by Adolph Brodsky, it has a good claim to being the one on which he premiered the Tchaikovsky concerto, writes Stewart Pollens
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Discovering Bartók, Ligeti and Kurtág in 3 seminal works
Casals Quartet violist Jonathan Brown chooses three key chamber pieces by the giants of Hungarian music
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What repertoire should you play for your first recording?
Choosing the repertoire for your first album isn’t easy. Charlotte Gardner talks to those in the recording business about how to make an informed decision.
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Charlie 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
