All string articles
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NewsQuartet and violinist receive 2021 Concert Artists Guild prizes
The winners will receive concert opportunities in New York and London following the virtual competition
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DebateBows of the 18th century have been ignored by string players for too long
Long neglected by the majority of string players, the bows of the 18th century make a huge difference to the way the music from that period is played, argues Jérôme Akoka
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ArticleBeethoven: String Quartets in G major op.18 no.2, in C major op.59 no.3 ‘Rasumovsky’
THE STRAD RECOMMENDS The Strad Issue: May 2017 Description: Fresh interpretations where nothing is taken for grantedMusicians: Cremona QuartetComposer: BeethovenCatalogue number: AUDITE 92.689 (hybrid SACD) Recorded in a warm, open acoustic, the striking range of sonorities created by the Cremona Quartet fall easily on the ear. Technically ...
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ArticleCaetani: String Quartets: in D major op.1 no.1, in F minor op.12
The Strad Issue: February 2017Description: Sensitive performances of this 'missing link' between Brahms and SchoenbergMusicians: Alauda QuartetComposer: CaetaniCatalogue number: BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95198 The effusively Romantic music of Roffredo Caetani (1871–1961) forms an unlikely but persuasive calling-card for a young, UK-based quartet, formed in 2011 at London’s Royal ...
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ReviewHaydn: String Quartets op.20 nos.1–3 (‘Sun’)
THE STRAD RECOMMENDS The Strad Issue: October 2016 Description: Ibragimova and friends rise to three of Haydn’s ‘Sun’ Quartets Musicians: Chiaroscuro Quartet Composer: Joseph Hadyn Catalogue number: BIS 2158 (SACD) The Chiaroscuro Quartet ...
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ReviewBacewicz: Complete String Quartets
THE STRAD RECOMMENDS The Strad Issue: October 2016 Description: Benchmark recordings of a major Polish composer’s seven quartets Musicians: Silesian Quartet Composer: Grazyna Bacewicz Catalogue number: Chandos CHAN 10904 (two CDs) Still rarely ...
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DebateAre US instrumental teachers failing in their duties by being too nice?
String teachers in America are accentuating the positive at the expense of the negative, argues Stephen Shipps
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FocusElements of Alexander Technique: discovering a natural approach to string playing
Dr Tomas Cotik gives an introduction to the method and demonstrates techniques and exercises
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NewsVision String Quartet wins 2016 Mendelssohn Prize
Founded in the 1870s, the award is given annually to the best students from Germany’s conservatoires
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ArticleHow to react when a string breaks mid-performance
Violinist Maximilian Simon remains as cool as a cucumber when his E string breaks midway through a recent performance of Britten's Violin Concerto with the Jenaer Philharmonie. Calmly he swaps his instrument with the orchestral leader's, and continues playing. Later, the leader hands back Simon's newly-strung instrument ...
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NewsMartyn Jackson named new Allegri Quartet first violinist
The young musician replaces Ofer Falk, who departs to ‘explore other avenues’
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DebateThere should be greater transparency in the string-manufacturing industry
Thomas Zwieg, vice president and product development manager at Larsen Strings A/S in Denmark, calls for an internationally accepted standard for measuring string tension
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News2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition names finalists
Three string quartets and three piano trios will compete for substantial cash prizes and performance opportunities this weekend
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BlogsStar violinist James Ehnes on his ‘other’ life as a chamber musician
Thomas May talks to the violinist about his Beethoven string quartet cycle — one of the most ambitious projects he’s ever undertaken.
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Premium ❘ FeaturePlaying chamber music is the best way for children to learn an instrument
Group activities and chamber music making are the best ways for young players to develop confidence – and enjoy learning, as pedagogue Sheila Nelson argues
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NewsGerman musical instrument sales increase despite decline in string sector
The figures from the Society of Music Merchants record a seven percent increase in 2014
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NewsJohansen International Competition for Young String Players names winners
The triennial event, held in Washington DC, is open to young violinists, violists and cellists
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ArticleBerlin Philharmonic performs Barber's Adagio for Strings
The Berlin Philharmonic performs Barber's Adagio for Strings conductor by Gustavo Dudamel.Read about the orchestra's famous string sound in The Strad's April 2015 issue, out now.Subscribe to The Strad or download our digital edition as part of a 30-day free trial. To purchase single issues click here.
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NewsThe Strad April 2015 issue is out now
Berlin Philharmonic music director Simon Rattle discusses the mysteries of the orchestra's string sound
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FocusEssential tips for teaching limb-different children to play stringed instruments
Youngsters born with limb differences can be as determined as anyone to learn an instrument – and here's how to help them achieve their goals