All Focus articles – Page 17
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FocusFrom the archive: the 1697 'Molitor' Stradivarius
This article by Philip Kass was first published in the December 2010 issue, soon after the instrument had been sold to Anne Akiko Meyers for a then-record $3.6m
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DebateHow to find time to practise as a busy music teacher
Performance coach Travis Baird recommends three key strategies for effective practice when everyday commitments seem to leave little time
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FocusFrom the archive: a violin by Santino Lavazza, c.1720
In the January 2007 issue, John Dilworth took a close look at a violin by one of the lesser known Milanese makers of the 18th century
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FocusMy Space: Benedict Puglisi, Melbourne, Australia
A peek into lutherie workshops around the world with The Strad. From the May 2018 issue [click + to zoom]
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FocusRay Chen on Strads, modern instruments and finding his sound
In the second extract from his cover feature interview in the May 2018 Strad, the violinist talks playing Strads and modern instruments, and personalising his sound
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FocusThe ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘Del Gesù’
Currently the world’s most expensive violin, the 1741 ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ is in a remarkable state of preservation, considering it has been in use for most of its life. In this extract from the first of a two-part article, Terry Borman introduces the instrument’s most celebrated owner
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FocusLeila Josefowicz: on choosing to play a new violin
The violinist talks about giving up on old Italian instruments and opting for a bespoke violin by maker Sam Zygmuntowicz
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FocusFrom the archive: the 1865 ‘Caraman de Chimay’ Vuillaume
In the February 2010 issue, Tim Ingles took a close look at a decorated violin which was part of a now separated quartet of instruments
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FocusMasterclass: Leon Bosch on Dittersdorf’s Double Bass Concerto no.2, first movement
Mastery of the bow, carefully planned fingerings and a resonant sound are the keys to performing this challenging piece. From the September 2014 issue
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FocusA beginner's guide to identifying a Stradivarius
Figuring out the maker of an unknown violin takes a trained eye and a detective’s skill, says luthier John Dilworth. Here he gives his personal perspective on the clues and processes of elimination that help experts pinpoint an instrument’s origins. From the July 2010 issue
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FocusIn my opinion, the Finzi Cello Concerto outshines the Elgar
British cellist Raphael Wallfisch explains why the Finzi concerto is a piece close to his heart – and why he continues to champion it to orchestras around the world
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FocusPostcard from: the String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam
Even the grim January weather could do little to dampen enthusiasm as 21 top ensembles gathered for a series of concerts and masterclasses, writes Tim Homfray
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GalleryFrom the archive: a c.1720 violin by Carlo Bergonzi
John Dilworth examines an early violin by the Cremonese maker, which used to belong to Paganini. First published in the April 2006 issue
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FocusAlfonso Mosesti, 1924-2018
RAI National Symphony Orchestra concertmaster and prolific concerto soloist with admirers including Karajan, Barbirolli and Sawallisch
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Premium ❘ FeatureMasterclass: Jian Wang on Brahms’s Cello Sonata No.2 in F Major, second and third movements
The Chinese cellist gives advice on how to play the middle movements of this colourful, passionate work, and calls on cellists’ capacity to play cantabile
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FocusDegrees checklist
Questions to help you find the right course and to prepare you for life as a student
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FocusRay Chen: 'Failure was so much more meaningful towards my overall development'
In this extract from a candid and wide-ranging interview, the violinist remembers leaving his home town of Brisbane, Australia, at the age of 16 to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia – and immediately feeling out of his depth
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BlogsThomas Bowes: a Bach Pilgrimage
On Tuesday 1 May I will set out again on a Bach Pilgrimage, taking round the solo violin music of J.S. Bach to communities up and down the country. My odyssey this year is a little more modest than the marathon of 2013 when I covered some four thousand miles ...
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FocusBuilding bridges: a photo essay
Have you ever wondered who makes the world’s stringed instrument bridges, and how? In this gallery, we follow the process from tree trunk to blank bridge