Really, I cannot believe that American violinist Hilary Hahn has not performed as soloist with the Oregon Symphony yet. But she will-finally- October 2nd, 3rd and 4th, performing the Tchaikovsky violin concerto at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. I definitely recommend that you go. I became Hilary Hahn fan when I heard her play at…
An article written by Jeremy Mastrangelo, associate concertmaster of the Syracuse Symphony, describes the working conditions of professional symphony musicians as similar to working professional athletes. The general public seems to think that an orchestra musician’s life is all play and little work, but this article shows how much work is required to make music…
I have heard over and over again the continuous debate about whether violinists ought to use shoulder rests or not. I am not for nor against it. All I care about is whether the setup of holding the violin will support good posture, and enable one to play with maximum ease and minimum tension. This…
Superstar violinist Joshua Bell returns to perform one night only with the Oregon Symphony September 16. He will perform the tantalizing Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, a delightful piece not performed with the Oregon Symphony since I joined the orchestra. It’s one of my favorite violin concerto pieces. Its idiomatic writing, virtuosity and irresistible melodic Spanish flavor…
Part 2 explains how to pizzicato, or pluck, the violin in play position: violin tucked under the jaw, with the left hand holding the violin upper bout. I like beginners to set their right thumb on the bottom right edge of the fingerboard as an anchor. For a pleasant ringing sound, use the fingerprint or…