All Playing articles
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Focus‘You have to follow what it is you really want to do’ - Abel Selaocoe
South African cellist-singer-composer Abel Selaocoe speaks to Tom Stewart about his unique style of music making
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Double bass beginners should play in all left-hand positions
Thomas Martin pinpoints some common technical problems for young bassists and insists that beginners shouldn't be restricted to playing in the lower positions. From the May 2014 issue
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Focus
10 points to help you handle performance anxiety
Violinist and performance consultant Berenice Beverley Zammit shares some helpful reminders for those dealing with stage fright, including why you should regard yourself as a superhero
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‘Surrounded by musicians and immersed in music’ - the early life of Giovanni Bottesini
In our December 2021 issue, Stephen Street examines early influences on the virtuoso bass player, composer and conductor
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Blogs
‘Bartók has been with me for a long time and is irrevocably linked to my personal story’ - Violinist Franziska Pietsch
As a violinist who grew up in East Germany and moved to the West, Franziska Pietsch examines the parallels between her childhood and Béla Bartók’s inner turmoil of emigrating to the US, in recording her new album Bartók - The Quiet Revolutionary
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Blogs
Frank Bridge’s Concerto Elegiaco ‘Oration’ – a listening guide by cellist Gabriel Schwabe
Cellist Gabriel Schwabe provides commentary and audio examples from his newest album featuring a lesser-known work by Frank Bridge
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‘You can combine all those influences into your own playing’ - Hilary Hahn’s violin heroes
In this throwback to an interview from 1999, Hilary Hahn shares why she finds inspiration in the playing of great violinists including Brodsky, Elman, Milstein, Kriesler, Grumiaux and Heifetz
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Blogs
Positive audition preparation outcomes – even when you don’t get the job
While the process may be daunting, repetitive and sometimes demoralising, there is huge value to be found in preparing for auditions. Online editor and cellist Davina Shum examines five positive things to take away from preparing for orchestral auditions
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Premium ❘ Focus
Hilary Hahn: Born original
Shirley Apthorp interviewed the then 19-year-old violinist Hilary Hahn for The Strad’s November 1999 issue. Here, Hahn shares her love of writing, solo Bach, her educational background and her insights on the great violinists of our time
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Focus
The ideal candidate: Preparing for orchestral auditions
Charles Noble offers tips to violists seeking an orchestral job in this extract from July 1999
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Blogs
In search of the Irish double bass
Principal double bassist of the Irish Chamber Orchestra Malachy Robinson reflects on his journey seeking Irish double bass repertoire
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Focus
Classical oasis: Postcard from Dubai
This summer, Dubai played host to the InClassica International Music Festival and Middle East Classical Music Academy. Charlotte Smith braved soaring temperatures and an array of Covid travel regulations to witness performances by some of the world’s leading string players
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Blogs
How to be successful in an orchestral audition - LSO violinist Maxine Kwok
London Symphony Orchestra first violinist Maxine Kwok offers tips for string candidates on preparing for orchestral auditions in this interview from 2014
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My audition journey: Nuno Carapina, Philharmonia Orchestra
The violinist in the Philharmonia Orchestra highlights the importance of being prepared for auditions, including why you should learn the full first movement of your Mozart Concerto
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Blogs
10 tips for a successful orchestral audition
Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist Brant Taylor offers advice to candidates hoping to succeed in that all-important orchestral audition
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Focus
My audition journey: Victor Fournelle-Blain, Montreal Symphony Orchestra
The associate principal viola of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra shares an awkward story involving a Bach fugue in an audition, as well as other, slightly more successful experiences
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7 techniques to combat stage fright
How often has a potential performance of a lifetime turned into a performance from hell? Are you suffering from stage fright? Laurinel Owen gives advice on overcoming this common affliction
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Sonoko Miriam Welde: How to make a work truly your own
The best way to create a unique interpretation of a commonly performed piece is to be yourself, shares violinist Sonoko Miriam Welde
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My audition journey: Monique Irik, Sydney Symphony Orchestra
The violinist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra illustrates her determination to win the job - even if it means trying several times
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My audition journey: Hugh Klüger, London Philharmonic Orchestra
’The player with a solid grasp of the basics usually has more chance of getting a trial’ - insights and advice on auditions from the LPO double bassist
