All Debate articles – Page 11
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DebateGet rid of histrionics in quartet playing
Over-the-top emoting by individual players ruins the whole point of chamber music, says David Kettle
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DebateAre the achievements of El Sistema the tip of the iceberg?
The results of Sistema-based social programmes are almost impossible to quantify – but as Jonathan Govias argues, the potential of ‘the system' is boundless
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DebateDo top ten lists miss the whole point of music?
The compulsion to rank performers by number denies the subtlety and diversity of their craft, argues Ariane Todes
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DebateUse intellect, not instinct
Instead of simply focusing on technical prowess, performers should have as profound an understanding of music theory as composers do, argues cellist David Watkin, since it can only serve to develop their skills
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DebateSources of inspiration
If players and teachers were less cagey about where they discovered their ideas, Philippa Bunting argues, it would be more interesting for audiences and more valuable for their peers
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DebateSecret commissions: the dark side of teaching
Teachers must be open about any commission they get when a student buys an instrument, argues Ariane Todes
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DebateEmbrace the difference
Luthiers often have more experience than players of Baroque instruments and bows. So, says US bow maker David Hawthorne, they should be fearless in producing authentic equipment to enlighten and inform
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DebateFear of a blank page
There's nothing stopping string players from commissioning their own works, argues cellist David Cohen – apart from their own reluctance
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DebateNo more excuses - Sally Beamish
Sally Beamish laments that it's taken the tragic death of violinist Frances Andrade for the damage done by predatory music teachers to be seriously addressed
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DebateRise to the challenge
It's new repertoire that will attract 21st-century audiences to the concert hall, argues violinist Joel Smirnoff – and string players should be spearheading the revolution
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DebateHear no evil?
Recent allegations about child abuse at the BBC have exposed a culture of turning a blind eye. Music education institutions must learn from the consequences of such an attitude, argues Ariane Todes
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DebateCould do better
String teachers should improve their own skills to help students improve, instead of going overboard with encouragement and hoping that the problems will fix themselves, argues Simon Fischer
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DebateTell your own story
String players shouldn't put up with badly written, out-of-date biographies put together by agents, argues Helen Michetschläger. Do it yourself and reap the rewards
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DebateHey, I got a social disease
Twitter has emerged as a great way for string players to engage with their audiences. But if they try too hard to sell themselves they undermine the whole point of social media, argues Ariane Todes
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BlogsGordan Nikolitch talks bows
The violinist revealed a passion bordering on obsession for bows in conversation with Ariane Todes
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DebatePlay that bit again please
Composers included repeats for a reason, but many players choose to exclude them. This is irresponsible, argues Tully Potter, and shows a lack of imagination
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DebateWhen violins dominate the world
If the double-blind testing of old and new instruments has proven anything, it is that the public is captivated by the subject. Could this fascination herald an Arab Spring for the string world, asks Ariane Todes
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DebateHelp wanted
The Louisville Orchestra's management is advertising for musicians – but it's the players themselves who really need a hand, argues Heather Kurzbauer
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DebateLock up the valuables
Should the world's top violins, violas and cellos always be available for playing? No, says Philip Kass. Some are simply too precious to be exposed to destructive human hands
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DebateCareless talk costs lives
Nigel Kennedy used his recent BBC Prom to issue a condemnation of period performance. But, says Ariane Todes, he should get his facts right, and spare a thought for those colleagues whose reputations he's belittling
