All Focus articles – Page 8
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FocusThomas 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
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5 views on chamber playing by Borodin Quartet legend Rostislav Dubinsky
The Borodin's founding first violinist, who played with the quartet for 30 years from 1945, was interviewed in The Strad shortly before his death in 1997
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In focus: the 1706 'Brott-Turner/Schumacher' Tecchler cello
Tom Wilder examines an instrument in an excellent state of preservation by the foremost maker of the Roman school. From the September 2014 issue of The Strad
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Sentimental work: Rick Stotijn on Joseph Marx's Adagio
The Adagio by the little-known Austrian composer Joseph Marx provides a unique inspiration for the Dutch double bassist – and an opportunity to perform alongside his sister Christianne
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Isabelle Faust on how playing period instruments has improved her bowing
Our January 2019 issue cover star on bringing her unusually active and flexible right arm technique to bear with a classical Tourte bow and the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Strad
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8 practice tips from Sheku Kanneh-Mason
The British cellist shares his wisdom on practising effectively
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4 reasons why I love Vaughan Williams
The violist Philip Dukes explains his affinity for the British composer’s music
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5 singing string players
We profile some of the multi-talented string players who manage to sing while playing their instrument
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How do you notate the music of aural tradition?
In this article from our December issue Violinist Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen and cellist Fredrik Schøyen Sjölin from the Danish Quartet speak to Andrew Mellor about the difficulties of notating music passed down by aural tradition
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Blank canvas: unvarnished 5-string instruments
These unvarnished five-string violins and violas are built by a Chinese maker using flamed maple and seasoned spruce. They feature extra-wide necks, extended pegboxes and adjusted bass-bars, and most have one-piece backs. Both designs are based on Stradivari models and include ebony fingerboards, nuts and saddles. ...
