A Recent Edition of Schumann’s ‘Cello Concerto in A Minor’ Is a Fascinating Study in “Definitive” Texts
Bärenreiter, a publisher known for scholarly attention to historical source materials, has now released another urtext for the Schumann concerto.
March-April 2025
Wake-Up Call: The Concept of “Playing-In” a New or Long Dormant Violin Is a Surprisingly Tricky Subject
The question being addressed here is not whether old instruments sound better than new ones but how one develops the tone in instruments that have seldom or never been played.
The Challenges of Being a Classical Music Content Creator
A recent phenomenon in classical music is the evolution of performer-entertainers who must balance artistic integrity with public engagement.
The W. E. Hill & Sons Archive Tells the Story of Richard Bennett’s Fabulous Violin Collection
This was probably the finest 20th-century collection of instruments owned by a single individual.
Advertisement
A String Player’s Guide to Montreal
The city is a melting pot of traditions, ethnicities, and languages, and is a thriving hub for artists and musicians.
Florida Classical/Hip-Hop Duo Black Violin Brings it ‘Full Circle’
Violinist Kev Marcus talks about his relationship to the violin, the challenge of racial stereotypes in the classical music world, and the duo’s latest recording project.
5 Minutes with . . . The Renegade Orchestra
The SF Bay Area group features some of the best and (arguably) weirdest classical musicians playing instrumental versions of the greatest rock songs ever written.
Musical Cities: A String Player’s Guide to Prague
Prague has a broad appeal. But to truly appreciate this city and its legacy of music and art, don’t confine your visit to the touristy center.
Advertisement
Did You Know . . . Roman Totenberg Probably Had a Longer Career as a Teacher than any Other Musician in History?
Totenberg started giving violin lessons at the age of nine. Ninety-two years later, he was still teaching.
15 of the Most Significant String Works of the 21st Century . . . So Far
To mark the first 25 years of this century, here are 15 new string pieces that proved especially significant and impactful (plus a few honorable mentions).
How to Write About Classical Music Without (Necessarily) Becoming a Critic
The best critics combine a deep understanding of repertoire, performance practice, and historical context with the ability to communicate effectively to both novice and experienced audiences.
Musical Cities—A String Player’s Guide to Philadelphia
A vibrant hub for art, ideas, and innovation since the time of Jefferson, the city continues to blend its rich history with a forward-thinking energy that inspires musicians and audiences alike.
Advertisement
Violinist Paul Huang Records Three Works Forged in Social Tumult on ‘Mirrors’
‘Mirrors,’ which finds Huang accompanied by gifted concert pianist Helen Huang (no relation), was ten years in the making.
Review: ‘The Cellist’s Guide to Scales and Arpeggios’ Covers Information Every Cellist Needs to Know
This book covers information every cellist needs to know in a way that preempts common errors and misconceptions.
Cellist and Composer Peter Gregson Creates an Eponymous Album with a Presence
Nine tracks for cello and electronics, ‘Peter Gregson’ (Decca) is distinctly contemporary.
The Late Composer and Multi-Instrumentalist John Hartford Left a Hidden Treasure Trove of 4,000-plus Fiddle Tunes
Until recently, few knew that Hartford, largely known as a banjo player and country-pop composer, had a nearly obsessive devotion to the fiddle.
Advertisement
Rules of Thumb (Position)—A Path Toward Mastering a Dreaded Cello Technique
When encountering thumb position, it is natural to find the lack of pitch control and general awkwardness of the technique frustrating. Steady on. The only way is through, not around.
Musical Destinations—A String Player’s Guide to Charlotte, North Carolina
For more than a century, "the Queen City" has been a haven for players and lovers of string music.
Violinist Danbi Um Considers Her 1683 Amati a Musical Partner
“I feel like this violin has a soulful quality in its timbre, and the clarity of the tone really complements my playing,” says Um.
Cellist Abel Selaocoe Continues to Redefine His Approach to the Instrument
With his second album, 'Hymns of Bantu', Selaocoe evokes a sense of shared experience, reverence, and storytelling through music.