All Focus articles – Page 27
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ArticleHow to balance the left-hand when playing chords and double stops
The Berlin University of the Arts and London Royal Academy of Music viola professor speaks about left arm set-up when playing multiple notes simultaneously
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ArticleBaroque set-up is of secondary importance for getting results in Bach - violinist Christian Tetzlaff
The German artist speaks to Andrew Mellor about finding new depths of discovery in Bach's Solo Sonatas and Partitas
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ArticleAmerican cellist Paul Katz on right-hand vibrato
The American cellist and New England Conservatory professor shares a technical tip from his former teacher, the great János Starker
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ArticleMy father Slava - by Elena Rostropovich
Accompanist, assistant, daughter: Elena Rostropovich saw her father Mstislav from a uniquely intimate perspective. Marking what would have been the great cellist's 90th birthday in March, she shares some enduring memories with Peter Quantrill
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FocusPlaying the double bass with little hands, by bassist Thierry Barbé
The Paris National Opera Orchestra principal bassist discusses how smaller musicians can avoid injury when playing this large instrument
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FocusAsk the Experts: can beginner violin lessons be given by a cellist?
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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FocusConductor Hannu Lintu on what makes a competition winner
Performing as a soloist with an orchestra can be a nerve-wracking experience, particularly for competition finalists who have very little rehearsal time, Hannu Lintu tells Pauline Harding
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FocusOne of the most valuable things I've learned - luthier Gregg Alf
The American maker talks about the importance of spending quality time with string players
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FocusHow to avoid tension in the bow arm, by cellist Bonnie Hampton
A good strong sound comes from a flexible bow hold and relaxed bowing arm, says the former Juilliard School professor
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FocusLight stringed instrument cases for airline travel
Almost every month, string players report another travel nightmare caused by flying with their instruments. Femke Colborne investigates how case manufacturers are addressing the challenges they face
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FocusPractising quietly - the products that can help you put in the hours without annoying the neighbours
Practising at unsociable times or away from home is the norm for many string players. Vicky Sharpe explores the products that can help you put in the hours without upsetting those around you
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Focus'Players should use the bow not only to sing, but to speak' - double bassist Matthew McDonald
Berlin Philharmonic first principal bassist Matthew McDonald discusses his search to find his voice as a player
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FocusAsk the Experts: playing violin in the second position
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to a panel of experts
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FocusShould violin shops and luthiers be more welcoming to young learners?
If violin dealers and makers welcome young learners, they can inspire their playing dreams and gain potentially lifelong customers in return, says Royal Northern College of Music senior lecturer in music education Philippa Bunting
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FocusAsk the Experts: regaining your technique after time away from the violin
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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FocusAdvice I would give my younger self - cellist Antonio Meneses
The Brazilian cellist talks about the importance of playing the piano for string players
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FocusWords of wisdom by violinist Gidon Kremer
As the great artist celebrates his 70th birthday, we share his views on contemporary music, tone, music and politics, and interpretation, as published in The Strad's October 2010 issue
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FocusThe teaching wisdom of violist Bruno Giuranna
The viola player and teacher offers his advice on mastering the instrument
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FocusOld vs new: finding the right bow for your stringed instrument
The role of the bow in bringing out a string player's sound is often neglected, even though musicians can spend years looking for the perfect one. Charlotte Smith talks to players and dealers about how they go about finding the perfect instrument-bow combination
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Focus'Programming a difficult contemporary work before Beethoven often backfires' - Richard Tognetti
Three decades as artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra have taught Richard Tognetti that invention is essential to the health of classical music, writes Chloe Cutts