All Focus articles – Page 20
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FocusStrings in film: Leading screen composers discuss their use of the broad string palette
Strings have played a fundamental role in the history of film music, but exactly what makes them so effective at ‘tapping into the invisible’?
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FocusFrom the archive: the 1734 ‘Spagnoletti’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
In this article from the February 2005 issue of The Strad, John Dilworth looks at the history of the 1734 ‘Spagnoletti’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin, which, unusually, can be traced all the way back to its Cremonese origins
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BlogsPlaying the violin places constant strain on the body, yet we leave posture to chance
A holistic approach to teaching should treat healthy body position as seriously as scales and etudes
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FocusThe mislabelled template which proves Stradivari's role in inventing the modern violin case
For decades, debate has raged over whether instrument cases were ever made in Stradivari’s workshop. Now, a template has come to light that apparently proves that they were, writes Glenn Wood
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FocusLeonidas Kavakos on his ever-deepening relationship with the Sibelius Concerto
In this article from January 2016, a quarter century after the Greek violinist made his pioneering recording of the Sibelius Concerto alongside its original version, he talks to Andrew Mellor about his relationship with the work
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Premium ❘ FeatureMasterclass: Julian Rachlin on Brahms’s Viola Sonata in F minor
The Lithuanian-born violinist and violist discusses technical preparation, character and colour in the first and second movements of op.120 no.1
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FocusCase history: an overview of the instrument cases made for Stradivari violins
In the March 2018 issue, Dimitri Musafia and Glenn Wood examine a template that apparently proves that instrument cases were made in Stradivari’s workshop. In this article from April 2008, Musafia looks at the cases used to house Stradivari violins, while Wood gives an overview of Italian cases
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Blogs6 mindfulness techniques for music teachers
Mindfulness is an invaluable tool for teaching students how to concentrate on-stage, improve awareness in the practice room, play pain-free, and move on from disappointing auditions or performance experiences, writes Dr. Travis Baird
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FocusFrom the archive: an 1752 violin by Tomasso Balestrieri
This is an extract from an article in the July 1993 issue of The Strad, in which John Dilworth examined the Mantuan school – and the connections of its luthiers to Piacenza
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FocusViolist Lawrence Power on conventional wisdom and not being shy of picking up the violin
The British viola virtuoso is held up as a champion of his instrument by many young players. But, as he tells Toby Deller, he is more interested in being an adventurous performer and teacher who’s prepared to challenge norms
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FocusJean-Luc Ponty: 'Nothing was too intricate for me because I had that solid technical background'
The French violinist, who celebrated his 75th birthday last year, is a trailblazing figure in the world of jazz. Yet his grounding in classical technique was important in shaping his musical approach, he tells Toby Deller
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ArticleGary Karr on Koussevitzky’s Double Bass Concerto
The American bassist recalls how the Koussevitzky helped to establish his individual style – and how he received a career boost courtesy of the composer’s ghost
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FocusYou can only diversify the audience by having a diverse group of people on stage
Half a century since the New York Phil hired its first black musician, the percentage of black and Latino players in US orchestras remains woefully low. But some organisations are taking action towards inclusivity
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FocusGallery: 10 violin Valentines of varying quality and tastefulness
The Strad dutifully presents some card ideas for that special string player in your life
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FocusTrade Secrets: Christian Bayon’s method for making a bass-bar
The French luthier shares his design for a new type of bass bar which is both a strong support and allows the top plate to vibrate more freely
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FocusTechnique: Developing a 'cello vocabulary' for more effective practice with Amit Peled
A system of emoticons and words you can use to help you remember important technical ideas, by Amit Peled, cello faculty at the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University
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FocusTechnique: Two-octave scales and arpeggios
An essential way to improve tone and intonation by Michael Frischenschlager, professor emeritus of violin at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna
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FocusFrom the archive: an 1823 violin by Nicolas Lupot
These photos and below text were featured in the January 1993 issue of The Strad, along with a biography of Lupot and his part in instigating a French school of violin making
