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The article focuses on Yuri Zhislin's masterclass on Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata for viola, emphasizing the piece's lyrical nature and technical demands.

The author offers tips on finding flexibility in the left hand when playing the viola. Topics include the cause of the tension and squeezing around and into the left-hand thumb while playing the instrument, ways to release this tension in the left hand, and tips on developing a soft left hand especially when working on continuous vibrato using Study Number 14 by violist Lilian Fuchs.

Norwegian chamber prog band Meer has released their highly anticipated third album, Wheels Within Wheels. The band, consisting of eight members, combines the intricacy of modern prog with the accessibility of pop. The album balances complexity with catchiness, featuring influences ranging from classic rock to jazz. Meer's music has had a profound impact on listeners, as evidenced by a man who cried after their show. The band also runs their own festival, Pulterkammer, which aims to support the Norwegian prog scene. [Extracted from the article]

Henrik Dam Thomsen, principal cellist of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, has released a new recording of Bach's Six Suites for Solo Cello. Thomsen's performances are praised for their marvelous technique and compelling artistry. The recording was made in Copenhagen's Garrison Church, which provides a stunning acoustical setting for Thomsen's 1680 Francesco Ruggieri cello. The performances are described as sprightly and lively, with a focus on the contrast between vigorous dances and introspective Sarabandes. Thomsen's use of vibrato and subtle rubato is seen as appropriate for this Baroque repertoire. The recording is highly recommended for those interested in Bach's cello suites. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the techniques and exercises for viola players to improve sound production and address physical tensions while playing the instrument. It emphasizes the importance of finding balance between the arms and explores alternative methods of shoulder support to enhance sound quality and reduce tension. It offers warm-up exercises and practical advice for violists to develop a more vibrant and expressive sound through mindful practice.

The article focuses on violist Paul Laraia's masterclass on Glazunov's Elegy in G Minor for Viola and Piano, highlighting the exploration of the piece's lyrical possibilities. Topics include techniques for conveying emotional depth through vibrato, maintaining consistency of color throughout the piece, and creating connectivity between phrases, all while emphasizing the simplicity and complexity of the composition.

The author presents a personal narrative of his experiences as a classical music fanboy who got the opportunity as DJ (Disc Jockey) and perform with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Silvan Joray, a Swiss guitarist based in New York, is gaining recognition for his expansive sound and fresh ideas. His albums "Cluster" and "Updraft" showcase his technical skill as an improviser and composer. Raph Clarkson, a trombonist-composer, draws inspiration from his childhood surrounded by classical musicians and his exposure to British jazz. Clarkson's projects, The Dissolute Society and Equal Spirits, blend elements of chamber jazz and avant-garde with human voices. Both Joray and Clarkson are looking to expand their musical horizons and continue to make waves in the jazz scene. [Extracted from the article]

Silvan Joray, a Swiss guitarist based in New York, is gaining recognition for his expansive sound and fresh ideas. He has released two albums, "Cluster" and "Updraft," which showcase his technical skill as an improviser and composer. Joray's influences come from both sides of the Atlantic, and he is part of a new wave of guitarists making a name for themselves. He has been busy performing and teaching in New York, where live music is more present in everyday life compared to Europe. Joray is looking to diversify his sound beyond the guitar trio and is excited about future possibilities. [Extracted from the article]

Cammie Beverly, the vocalist of Oceans of Slumber, discusses various topics in an interview with Metal Hammer. She talks about the band's recent New York show, their use of growling vocals, and their new album, "Where Gods Fear To Speak," which explores the concept of blind faith. Beverly also discusses the intense and provocative music video for the album's title track, which features Japanese rope bondage. She shares her love for disturbing movies like "Mother!" and expresses her desire to score a film rooted in Southern gothic country. [Extracted from the article]

This article celebrates the 30th anniversary of Naxos AudioBooks, a publisher known for producing classic literature audiobooks with classical music accompaniment. The author reflects on their personal journey in the audiobook industry, from their early introduction to spoken word recordings to their involvement with Naxos AudioBooks. They highlight the exceptional talent they have worked with, including renowned actors and voice artists, and the wide range of classic literature titles that have been recorded. The article also mentions the shift from abridged to unabridged recordings and the expansion of the audiobook market through digital platforms like Audible. The author concludes by expressing their satisfaction with the current direction of Naxos AudioBooks under new leadership. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the integration of the Feldenkrais method into viola technique, emphasizing the importance of whole-body awareness, self-image, skeletal support, and breathing in enhancing musical expression. It provides exercises and tips for violists to cultivate a mindful and holistic approach to playing the instrument, promoting comfort, ease, and self-empowerment.

Rodney Hall's novel, Vortex, challenges the traditional view of history as a linear progression. Inspired by Walter Benjamin's Theses on the Philosophy of History, Hall presents history as a constellation falling into an opaque singularity. Set in Brisbane in 1954, the novel explores the city's post-war atmosphere and the contrast between European immigrants and the Anglophile establishment. The story follows Compton Gillespie, a young man who forms a relationship with a German immigrant named Beckmann, and their bond becomes the sentimental counterpoint to the vortex of history. The novel combines farce, tragedy, and sharp wit to create a unique and ambitious narrative. [Extracted from the article]

The author focuses on size of viola as an instrument that develops base knuckles on relevant to violists, and mentions variation of bow stroke. Topics discussed include motivation for practicing exercise as part of quest to find sound while looking for playing, communicating movement to music students asking to rest arm and wrist on a table, and requirement of physical relaxation to achieve volume.

The article focuses on summer of 1899 and inspired by a poem by Richard Dehmel and Rose Quartet augmented by a violist and a cellist of the Philharmonic Orchestra and irradiating lyricism that is La Nuit transfigures the hymn ala nature.

The article focuses on differences in the size, shape and matter of violas and long string length being particularly noticeable when playing in first position and when doing wide double-stops. It mentions focus on the measurements and distance between the bridge and the bottom of the instrument can be measured or calculated by taking the back length. It also mentions Andrea Guarneri model with typical Cremonese proportions for particularly relevant.

The article focuses on Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki founded his method of bowed string tuition in 1945, it has been adopted and embraced by countries around the world. It mentions teachers and students, past and present, about their experiences of Suzuki teaching and its enduring popularity. It also mentions Sam Bergman, a violist in the Minnesota Orchestra, started violin lessons aged four with Genevieve Osborne in Concord, Massachusetts.

An interview with KP Werani, a composer and violist, is presented. He highlighted his role as a member of BRSO, collaborating with notable conductors and soloists, participating in countless premieres, and showcasing his compositions since 2012. He elaborated on his diverse engagements, from performing at New Music festivals to curating series like HörBlicke21 and Kollektivitäten 22-2.

The article focuses on finding the right-sized viola for a player, taking into account factors such as body outline, shoulder strain, and corner clearance. It discusses the potential obstacles to playability caused by wide Cremonese corners and narrow Brescian models, and suggests raising the treble side of the bridge or lowering the A-string cant to alleviate these issues. It emphasizes the importance of ergonomic considerations for promoting longevity in comfort.

The article provides exercises that may help viola players, particularly students, to develop bow control for improvement in tone. Topics discussed include ways to apply and release bow weight to produce a full and free sound, the use of a soft articulation when practicing up bow staccato, and way to avoid losing tone and energy when crossing strings in legato.

The article discusses how to maintain the right balance when playing a concerto. It mentions English Violist Timothy Ridout advised for the pre-rehearsal meeting with conductors for chamber music. It also mentions cellist Alisa Weilerstein suggested to focus on instinct and play in a way to match their feeling for the music.

The article focuses on the works of German violist Tabea Zimmermann. Topics include her final Beethoven-Woche, her new recording projects, expanding the viola repertoire and imparting her wisdom to the next generation, and her solo performances and chamber concerts, including trios with her former Arcanto Quartet colleagues violinist Daniel Sepec.

The article informs that the violists, particularly in the US, regard Karen Tuttle as a pioneer of pedagogy, tirelessly committed to improving the playing freedom of her students. Topics include Tuttle's epiphany came in 1941, when she attended a Los Angeles appearance by the London String Quartet; Tuttle claimed to owe her musical education to various other, non-violist personalities as well as to Primrose; and Tuttle's academic career took flight in earnest in the 1970s.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including "violist Toby Deller's quest to broaden the viola's repertoire with his unique 16th-century Peregrino di Zanetto instrument", and the "Placht family legacy".