All Focus articles – Page 12
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Focus5 singing string players
We profile some of the multi-talented string players who manage to sing while playing their instrument
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FocusHow 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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FocusSteven Isserlis: What we can learn from the great players of the past
In his guest editorial for the Strad’s October 2013 issue, the cellist introduced a focus on what 21st-century artists can learn from some of the greatest players of the previous century
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FocusHair’s breadth: postcard from the Shanghai Isaac Stern Violin Competition
In its second edition, the $100,000 competition was decided by a tiny margin, and showcased many impressive performances along the way. Strad editor Charlotte Smith attended the finals
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FocusAlisa Weilerstein's top 5 tips on maintaining a natural stage presence
The American cellist talks about physical gesture, articulation and the value of taking things slowly
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FocusAmandine Beyer's top 5 tips for aspiring Baroque violinists
The French violinist shares her wisdom on giving a convincing historically-informed performance
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FocusEldbjørg Hemsing's top 3 tips on maintaining the spark in your playing
The Norwegian violinist, whose disc we review in our December issue, shares her insight on warding off boredom in performances
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Focus3 views on developing a positive approach to learning an instrument
Three musicians share their ideas, developed from years of teaching experience
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FocusLife Lessons: Alban Gerhardt
The German cellist on an 18th birthday gift and the accessible appeal of the cello repertoire
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DebateCan a music stand destroy a performance?
Naomi Yandell makes a plea to school music departments for a common-sense approach to performance ‘details’, such as the big black music stand
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FocusMischa Maisky on working with Leonard Bernstein
The cellist, who celebrated his 70th birthday this year, reminisces about performing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with Leonard Bernstein. Interview by Peter Quantrill
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FocusVilde Frang on the mentors who steered her from talented teen to fully-fledged artist
In this extract from her December issue cover story, the Norwegian violinist discusses learning that raw talent and the pleasure of music making need a solid technical backing. Interview by Charlotte Gardner
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Focus5 views on building a portfolio career
Solo performer, orchestra member, teacher, conductor – most string players juggle roles. Sarah Mnatzaganian talks to some portfolio musicians to see how they do it
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FocusCecilia Zilliacus brings a distinctly Nordic flavour to the Brahms Violin Concerto
In our latest Session Report we join the Swedish violinist in the studio as she records Brahms. Interview by Andrew Mellor
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FocusPostcard from Colorado
At this year’s Aspen Festival and School, an array of leading performers rubbed shoulders with hundreds of enthusiastic young musicians. Bruce Hodges soaked up the clear mountain air
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FocusFour Paul Rolland exercises
Nancy Kredel describes some of the simpler actions devised by pioneering pedagogue Paul Rolland, our November 2018 issue cover star
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Focus6 tips for smooth bow changes
Advice on smooth and inaudible bow changes at the tip and the heel from The Strad's archives
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FocusViolinist Jascha Heifetz's first appearance in The Strad, October 1912
The legendary artist was first mentioned in The Strad at the age of eleven following several well-received performances
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FocusCommissioning a new instrument – a guide for players
Commissioning an instrument can be an exciting prospect, but as a creative journey it can have its ups and downs. John Milnes considers how both player and maker can keep each other happy.