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Interview – The Henschel Quartet´s short list of advice to young performers
1. During rehearsals step out from the group and listen to your colleagues from the audience´s position. It´s ideal for developing a critical ear
2. In fast movements, long notes should be filled with life. In slow movements, short notes should never be rushed.
3. You should always play as if your life depends on it. If the performer is not 100 per cent focused on the dramatic flow of the music they´re playing, how can they hope to communicate it to the audience?
4. Musicians today need so many skills other than playing their instrument well – managing festivals, building relationships with fans, releasing their own recordings. But if you happen to have a vision, make it happen – don´t wait for someone else to do it for you.
The Strad October 2013 issue