All Focus articles – Page 10
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Focus7 tips on motivating yourself to practise
7 different string players share their wisdom on maintaining motivation - as featured over the last 10 years in The Strad
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Focus5 views on Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto
Five violinists share their insights into this pillar of the repertoire in these snippets of interviews featured in The Strad
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FocusAlfred Staar on what constitutes the Viennese School
Alfred Staar’s influence continues to be felt today – no fewer than 22 of his former students currently hold posts in the Vienna Philharmonic. Inga Brandini shares a conversation with the professor from 15 March 2000, shortly before his death a month later
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FocusStringtelligence by Thomastik-Infeld: wolf tones and string buzzing
In the second of the new blog series for The Strad celebrating Thomastik-Infeld’s 100th anniversary, Franz Klanner, the Austrian string manufacturer’s director of engineering and technology, shares his experience in how to tame a wolf tone and get rid of irritating string buzzing
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FocusYogic principles and string playing
Cellist Ruth Phillips looks at the connections between yoga, playing an instrument and making music through the elements of breath, gravity and the wave
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FocusThe secret behind Paganini's amazing technique
Generations of violinists have tried to discover what it was that made Paganini so legendary. In this article from 2014, the late great Ruggiero Ricci shared his thoughts with Strad readers
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FocusTan Dun and Eldbjørg Hemsing on their latest collaboration
Chinese composer Tan Dun’s new concerto for Norwegian violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing draws on traditions common to the homelands of both artists. Andrew Mellor speaks to them about this latest in a series of collaborations
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FocusSentimental work: Antje Weithaas on Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto
The Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto presents a mixture of Eastern and Western influences to the German violinist – and only revealed its true secrets after a whole decade of resting
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FocusHow to practise at home without annoying your neighbours
Practice is part of life for all musicians, and string players are no exception. But what do you do if those around you think your music is just a nuisance? Vicky Hancock finds out
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FocusLife Lessons: Albena Danailova
One of three Vienna Philharmonic concertmasters, the Bulgarian violinist talks about New York street jazz and the musical impact of the internet
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FocusAugustin Hadelich on the similarities and contrasts of Brahms and Ligeti
Violinist August Hadelich, cover star of The Strad’s April 2019, issue, has built a reputation for musically astute interpretations in wide-ranging repertoire. He speaks to Chloe Cutts about his latest recording - a pairing of Brahms and Ligeti
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FocusStringtelligence by Thomastik-Infeld: dealing with corrosion and perspiration
In the first of a new blog series for The Strad celebrating Thomastik-Infeld’s 100th anniversary, the Austrian string manufacturer’s director of engineering and technology, Franz Klanner, gives his recommendations for players who find their strings corroding too quickly
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FocusElicia Silverstein's 5 tips for approaching gnarly contemporary works
The American violinist gives an insight into her strategy for getting her head, and fingers, around tough new repertoire
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FocusShould string teachers use fingerboard stickers for beginners?
Three string teachers debate the age-old question: should stickers be used on the fingerboard when teaching a beginner pupil?
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Premium ❘ FeatureWas Sherlock Holmes actually meant to be any good at playing the violin?
'Melancholy wailings', 'exasperating solos', but 'a remarkable gift for improvisation' – we revisit Maggie Williams's article on our favourite fictional violinist
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FocusSentimental Work: Anne Akiko Meyers on traditional Japanese songs
A brace of traditional songs from Japan bring back fond memories and inspire a wealth of interpretations for the American violinist
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Focus5 tips from Isabelle van Keulen on achieving a relaxed bow hold
The Dutch violinist and violist considers the many processes involved in keeping your bow hold tension-free
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FocusIs it a real Stradivarius? How to check the authenticity and value of a violin
A reader has inherited an old Italian violin, in this case a Landolfi. In fact, finding a violin in a grandparent’s attic is some people’s first introduction to the stringed-instrument world. What’s the next step regarding authentication?
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FocusDiscovering Ysaÿe’s lost sonata
In 2017 violinist Philippe Graffin discovered a previously unknown three-movement work by Eugène Ysaÿe: his original Sixth Solo Violin Sonata. As his recording of the piece is released, he speaks to Chloe Cutts about completing the composition.
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FocusArabella Steinbacher's top 5 practice tips
The German violinist shares her personal favourite practice habits