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V.com weekend vote: What is the most important element of a great violin performance?

April 1, 2023, 10:46 PM · When you see a great violin performance (or cello, viola, etc.) - what is the element that tends to impress you the most?

Think about the most recent performance that truly impressed you - if you were telling a friend about it, what would be the first thing you would say about it? Would you describe how technically virtuosic it was? Or would you talk about the depth of expression that the performer achieved? Or is it that the performer had that special star power that drew you into the performance? Or maybe something else? Please participate in the vote and then feel free to talk in the comments about different performances, and what rose to the top, as far as the element that most impressed you.

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Hear Your Hair - Personalized Bow Hair

Michael O'Gieblyn

April 1, 2023, 7:43 AM · For over 300 years, string players have used the hair from horses to bridge the connection between player and instrument.

But today, Fiddlershop announces a revolutionary product and service that will change the future of string playing forever!

Introducing Personalized Bow Hair from Fiddlershop.

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Exhibition and Concert in San Francisco to Feature Contemporary Violin and Bow Makers

Laurie Niles

March 31, 2023, 3:09 PM · While "Stradivari" may still represent the traditional gold standard for violins, the reputation of contemporary makers is on the rise, as 21st-century luthiers continue to craft beautiful instruments and those who play them attest to their sound and suitability.

The question remains for many, how does one find a modern instrument or bow? Where do you go to test them out? And who are the best makers living today?

Fortunately, this spring has brought a number of events that put the work of modern makers on display. Currently in Los Angeles, Thomas Metzler Violin Shop is holding a major exhibit and sale of modern violins, violas and cellos (read about it here). Just last weekend V.commers chimed in about their experiences with modern instrument in our Weekend Vote.

I wanted to let you know about another major modern instrument event this spring, which will take place in northern California: the Contemporary Violin Maker's Exhibition and Concert, hosted by Bay Fine Strings violin shop. The event will take place on April 29 at Saint Joseph's Arts Society in San Francisco. (Click here for more information.)

The day will start with a free exhibit of several dozen new violins, violas, cellos, and bows. The instruments will be available for trial - and for sale - from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then a concert will take place at 6:30 p.m. that evening, featuring musicians from the San Francisco Philharmonic playing the brand-new instruments. (Tickets for the concert are $40). Twelve soloists will perform in Vivaldi's Four Seasons, switching each movement so that each can feature a separate instrument. They also will perform Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. Keep reading...

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For the Record, Op. 232: Ellinor D'Melon; Ontario Pops Orchestra

Laurie Niles

March 30, 2023, 12:42 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto and Lalo 'Symphonie Espagnole'
Ellinor D'Melon, violin
RTE Symphony Orchestra, Jaime Martin conducting

Born to Cuban and Jamaican parents, Ellinor D’Melon started to learn the violin at the age of two. Today at 20, "she is one of those rare players who gives the impression that her command – both technical and musical is total" (The Irish Times). She won first prize at several important competitions: the Henryk Wieniawski, Debut Berlin and Novosibirsk competitions. This is Ellinor’s debut album. BELOW: Ellinor D'Melon talks about recording with two different Guarneri Del Gesù violins: the c. 1744 'Sainton' for the Tchaikovsky and the c. 1724 'Caspar Hauser' for the Lalo: