Playing – Page 3
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Session Report: Timothy Ridout on recording a new solo album
As violist Timothy Ridout makes his first foray into recording alone, he and his producer Andrew Keener tell Davina Shum about the process of setting down music by Bach, Britten, Shaw and Telemann
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Dinner with Kreisler: the Kreisler 150th anniversary
To mark the 150th anniversary of the Austrian virtuoso violinist’s birth on 2 February 1875, long-time fan Ariane Todes imagines a dinner-party conversation with her hero, based on documentary evidence and accounts by his contemporaries
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Opinion: Making the most out of chamber music coaching
Playing chamber music well is the most valuable, and demanding, lesson for both string students and their teachers, says cellist David Finckel. He shares his own wealth of experience for making the most of coaching sessions
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Analysis February 2025: Star string players targeted online
Some of the world’s top string players have become targets for online scammers – and it doesn’t stop there. What steps should all musicians take to help protect their fanbase?
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Technique: Creating core in your viola sound
Jeanne-Louise Moolman shares tips on how to create a sound with core on the viola
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Sentimental Work: Glenn Dicterow on Bernstein’s Serenade after Plato’s ‘Symposium’
The New York Philharmonic’s former concertmaster recalls how he first learnt the solo part of Bernstein’s Serenade after Plato’s ‘Symposium’ before a national tour with the composer conducting
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Nigel Kennedy: the real thing
Nigel Kennedy is still often viewed as the bad boy of the violin, but he reveals his thoughtful, straight-talking nature as he chats with Harry White about equality, education and his recent forays into original composition
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‘It’s about spending time with the music’: the Attacca Quartet
The Attacca Quartet is about to release its first recording of Ravel’s String Quartet in F major, closing the circle on the ensemble’s career so far. George Grella hears from the four musicians about why they are drawn to that composer, and about their repertoire choices, influences and working methods
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‘His bow was snapped in two as the window-curtains caught fire’ - From the archive
In the dim and distant past, The Strad would raid other periodicals for violin-related stories. Two examples follow.
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Family treasures: Leopold van der Pals
At the turn of the millennium, a young Scandinavian cellist discovered he had an illustrious musical forebear. Since then, a treasury of previously unperformed music has come to light. Andrew Mellor speaks to cellist Tobias van der Pals about his great-great-uncle Leopold’s legacy
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‘See each concert as the most important one in your life’ - Daniel Hope’s life lessons
The violinist on his many influences and what is at the heart of a musician’s career
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Session Report: Baroque violinist Davina Clarke on The Art of Obligato
Baroque violinist Davina Clarke speaks to Harry White about her new album, The Art of Obligato, which explores the intricate interplay between vocal and instrumental lines in Bach’s sacred cantatas
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Sentimental Work: Anne Gastinel on Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher
The French cellist was captivated by Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher from the first hearing; and it also provided an opportunity to meet the composer
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Opinion: AI vs live performance?
Even with the proliferation of technology such as generative AI in the music industry, violist Toby Deller believes there will always be a strong human need to experience live performance
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The legacy of a legend: Jacqueline du Pré tribute
The impact of British cellist Jacqueline du Pré’s towering talent continues to endure, despite her cruelly short career. To mark 80 years since her birth on 26 January 1945, several prominent string soloists speak about the influence her playing has had on their own music making
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Postcard from Lesbos: Molyvos International Music Festival
On the Greek island of Lesbos, the Molyvos International Music Festival offers live chamber music to a diverse international audience, as Claire Jackson discovered
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‘Your role is to lead by example’ - Edwin Barker’s life lessons
The US principal bassist on his love for orchestral playing and approach to leading
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Heifetz as teacher: Words from the master
Ayke Agus served as Heifetz’s personal accompanist during classes and performances for the last 15 years of his life. Here, she shares recollections of his practice routine and teaching methods with Enrico Alvares
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‘Savour every moment’ - violinist Sarah Chang’s life lessons
The US violinist reflects on the lessons learnt from her unique upbringing
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‘Education never stops’ - Joshua Bell’s life lessons
The American violinist discusses his varied experiences with teachers and the importance of learning from everyone