Stretta Journal
Discover music with the Stretta Journal – we hope you enjoy reading and browsing!
The Philosophy of Practising
Kristin Thielemann explains what practising means, gets to the very heart of its meaning and shares effective methods of practising.
Rapflexion: How young people grow beyond their expectations with rap - an interview with Carlos Utermöhlen
The ‘Rapflexion’ project gives young people from marginalised areas a new language, self-esteem and community. Carlos Utermöhlen reports on 20 years of youth work.
CHORstimmen - No. 3: Voice training with the Vienna Boys' Choir
The Vienna Boys' Choir celebrates 525 years. Alice Rath-Stépán explains how she puts her heart and soul into nurturing young voices in the choirboys and choirgirls.
„It has Mozartian qualities.“ Interview with Johan van Slageren and Udo Wessiepe about Salieri's opera „Cublai, gran Kan de’ Tartari.“
Salieri's opera ‘Cublai’ was not premiered until 1998. The editors of the first edition talk about their discovery and Salieri.
Michele Galvagno – Artistic Score Engraving
Michele Galvagno, cellist and music engraver, explains in an interview how he supports Dotzauer & Piatti and how scores change over time.
Stretta Christmas Emoji Quiz
We have visualised the titles of 24 Christmas carols here as a series of emojis. Do you recognise them all?
Practicing oboe with Tic Tacs: Interview with Ralf-Joern Koester
Ralf-Jörn Köster, solo oboist and author, talks to Stretta Journal about his life as a musician and shares a clever exercise for all wind musicians.
Florian Hatzelmann: A Tubist Embracing Classical, Brass Music, and Hip Hop
Florian Hatzelmann plays the tuba from opera to hip-hop. In this interview, @_tubaflo reveals how he juggles styles and is successful on social media.
10 reasons for music lessons
‘Music makes you smart’? Kristin Thielemann disagrees! She shows 10 good reasons why music is important - without any pressure to perform or thinking in terms of benefits.
World Pianist Jean Kleeb
Jean Kleeb combines classical, jazz and indigenous music. In this interview, he talks about world music, jazz influences and his environmental cantata ‘Protecting Earth’.
Music: A Field with Future?
Crises, cutbacks, digitalisation - does music still have a future as a profession? Kristin Thielemann talks about challenges, opportunities and encourages people to pursue a career in music.
What is a Diatonic Accordion?
Diatonic accordions characterise many traditions. Irene Urrutia Martín explains the differences between the keys and mechanics of the Styrian harmonica, trikitixa & co.
Intro: Reggae – The sound, the classics and the vibe
What characterises reggae? What classics are there? What role do instruments play? An introduction with audio examples so that you can join in at the next reggae jam.
8 Obstacles in Recorder Playing and How to Easily Overcome Them
Recorder hoarse, high notes difficult, fingers cramped? Vera Petry gives tips on how to overcome these hurdles and make faster progress with your playing.
CHOIRvoices – No. 1 Melanie Schlerf: Choir Conductor, Singer & Professional Choral Singer
Our interview series starts with Melanie Schlerf. She talks about choral conducting, programme selection, digitalisation and current challenges in choral singing.
Random Progressions: Practicing Jazz with Chance
Quality over quantity when practising: instead of monotonous repetitions, creative random progressions ensure individual exercises that are precisely tailored to your ability.
A 150th anniversary retrospective on Sergei Rachmaninoff
On the 150th anniversary of Rachmaninoff's birth, Eleonora Paolin remembers the ‘last Romantic’ and illuminates fascinating facets of his life and work.
Learning to play the viola – 20 Questions with Marion Leleu
Marion Leleu loves the sound of the viola. In the musical questionnaire, she helps you to find the right instrument and discover the soul of the viola.
Women in music: initiatives that make a difference
Women are often underrepresented in classical music. New initiatives are empowering female musicians and increasing their visibility - a step towards greater equality.
Antonio Oyarzábal – Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Female Composers
Basque pianist Antonio Oyarzábal on his album ‘El Fin del Silencio’ and the search for works by Latin American female composers.
Learn Guitar with Tatiana Stachak
Tatiana Stachak's ‘First Class Guitar’ method inspires enthusiasm worldwide - early duet playing promotes joy and motivation when learning. An interview.
Between Easy and Hard Listening - The Musical Legacy of Burt Bacharach and Friedrich Cerha
Cerha and Bacharach: two very different composers who are both avant-garde in their own way - a plea for diversity instead of music categorisation.
Violeta Gil – The importance of a positive mindset for a professional musician
Violeta Gil talks about how she learnt to play the flute, overcame setbacks and why social media is so important for musicians today. Plus her favourite pieces!
Portrait of the renowned organist and textbook author
Ulrike Theresia Wegele talks about her path to becoming an organist, the exciting entrance exam and the notes that are particularly important to her.
Learning the organ for beginners, re-entrants and autodidacts
Ulrike Theresia Wegele explains how her ‘Organ Method With Hands and Feet’ without fantasy figures makes it easier to get started with organ literature - and what inspired her.
Learning to play the drums - 20 questions for Franco Hänle
Franco Hänle reveals how he inspires new music students and gives tips on which instrument suits you best - for the perfect start to making music!
Musicians, show your tongue! An exercise to relax the tongue for a better sound
Musicians take note: Showing your tongue can improve articulation, coordination and breathing - without disgust! Discover the surprising benefits for your playing.
Marc le Gars in Focus – From Award Winning Guitarist to Celebrated Composer
Marc Le Gars, known for his guitar compositions, talks in a video interview about his path and his favourite works for exams and competitions.
Vocation: Composer - An Interview with Sophie Lacaze
How do you become a composer? Sophie Lacaze talks about her composition process and how the world around us inspires music.
From Sound to Emotion - How Music Affects Our Feelings
How can music calm and reduce stress or evoke emotions? Systematic musicologist Bettina Zeidler introduces us to the world of music psychology.
How you succeed in reaching your practice goals
Setting New Year's resolutions is easy - realising them is difficult. Aloisia Dauer explains how to really achieve your musical goals and stick to them.
Young and Under Pressure - From the Lives of Budding Professional Musicians
Rehearsal stress, audition anxiety, competition - the start of a career in music is often tough. Why young talents take the plunge anyway and how they deal with it.
Organ Maintenance in Winter – What Should I Be Aware Of?
Wood and leather - central, sensitive parts of the organ. You can read here why they need special care and what is important here.
Instrumental Up-Keep in Winter - What Should I Consider?
Cold and heated air can damage instruments in winter. Find out what can happen - and how you can get your instrument through the Christmas period safely.
The New Performance Option for The Christmas Oratorio – Orchestra vs Organ
Bach's Christmas Oratorio without an orchestra? A new version for organ makes it possible - ideal for smaller vocal ensembles during the Advent season!
Learning to play the Bassoon – 20 Questions for Anselma Veit
Anselma Veit raves about the warm sound of the bassoon - she reveals why it's worth discovering this profound instrument for yourself in the musical questionnaire.
The Life and Work of a Classical Composer Today – An Interview with Zdeněk Král
Over 1000 works and inexhaustible creativity: Zdeněk Král gives an insight into his life as a composer - from the idea to the performance.
Día de Muertos – Music in Mexico
The Día de Muertos in Mexico is a colourful celebration full of music, dance and colour - unlike traditional mourning ceremonies. Discover the fascinating customs!
What Exactly is a Decibel?
We clarify why this unit of measurement exists, what it means, and how it can affect us musicians.
What’s the Deal with John Cage's 4'33''?
A brief insight into John Cage's important yet controversial work, its background, and the composers intentions.
Learning to play the Recorder – 20 Questions for Vera Petry
Vera Petry raves about the warm sound of the recorder and the direct playing feel - find out why the instrument is a great choice!
WMC Kerkrade Retrospective: What is the Status of Wind Music Today?
Where is wind music heading? The WMC in Kerkrade provides impetus and shows how the scene is preparing for the future.
The Art of the Encore!
What makes a good encore? We asked eight professional musicians to try and answer this question. Let their answers inspire you for your next concert!
Practicing in Summer: More, Less, or Differently? How to Take Care of Your Body in Any Situation
Summer & music: Are you playing more, taking a break or taking your instrument with you? Tips on how to stay mindful of your body - for relaxed music-making!
How Rhythmic Speech Can Make it Easier to Learn your Instrument.
Learning rhythm made easy: drummer Manu Holmer shows how to gain rhythmic confidence with language - ideal for music lessons!
Loop Me, Pachelbel! Creative Practice with Loop-Apps
Do your pupils find scales boring? Loop apps transform exercises into cool pieces of music in no time at all - ideal for beginners and advanced students!
StrettaCast – Film Music: From Brünnhilde to Blade Runner
New: StrettaCast with Edd & Maarten! They discuss how music shapes films - and share their favourite film music. Tune in and experience film sounds in a new way!
One love, one heart – About Reggae and Its origins
Reggae is more than just clichés! Christian Geiger tells the story of ska to reggae and shows what really defines the style - discover the true sound of Jamaica!
Learning to Play the Tuba – 20 Questions for Rupert Gratz
The tuba is a cult instrument: Rupert Gratz shows why children are fascinated by its sound and size - perfect for anyone looking for a new instrument!
10 Music Films You Should Have Seen
Music films celebrate the music in film! Ten Stretta team members share their favourite films - all full of great music moments. Let yourself be inspired!
Learning to play the double bass - 20 Questions for Karoline Hoefler
Double bassist Karoline Höfler is fascinated by the sound of the double bass. In the questionnaire, she explains why this instrument is so special.
The Sounds of the Forest
From a wild place to a natural paradise: What does the forest sound like in music? Holger Slowik talks to musicologist Georg Högl about sounds beyond birdsong.
The Sounds of Spring
Spring is awakening - how does that sound? Stretta editor David Rauh shares his favourite pieces that musically capture the colourfulness and joie de vivre of the season.
Learning to Play the Accordion – 20 Questions for Nadine Soppa
Accordion requires good body awareness, as you play and ‘breathe’ with your whole body. Nadine Soppa gives tips on choosing an instrument.
Understanding and Experiencing Breathing - Part 2: Three Practical Exercises
Physiotherapist Sophie Stahl shows you three exercises to strengthen and relax your breathing muscles - before, during and after a rehearsal.
Learning to play the guitar – 20 questions for Adrian Hommel
The learning curve for the guitar is steep and motivating. Adrian Hommel answers our questionnaire to help you choose this instrument.
Learning to play the Cello - 20 Questions for Liana Pereira
"I am particularly moved by the Cello Concerto by Edward Elgar." Cellist Liana Pereira has completed our musical questionnaire to aid you in selecting a new instrument.
Pretty Wild! Practical tips for educating restless students
Do you know fidgety children in class? Kristin Thielemann gives lots of practical tips on how to deal with restlessness and concentration problems.
Understanding and Experiencing Breathing - Part 1: The processes involved in breathing
We breathe 20,000 times a day. Singing and wind instruments place great demands on our breathing - time to better understand the respiratory function and its importance.
Playlist: Terrifying Pop & Rock
You think pop music is harmless and entertaining? But the backstories of many songs are dark and frightening. Our playlist shows just how scary pop can really be!
Playlist: Freaky Film Music
Film composers use atonality, dissonance and weird sounds to create a sense of unease and accompany dark images with menacing music.
Playlist: Scary Classical
Immerse yourself in the dark catacombs of classical masterpieces! Experience goosebumps with skilfully arranged sounds that shake you to the core - pure suspense guaranteed!
Spooky Tunes – Three Eerie Musical Journeys Guaranteed To Give You Goosebumps
Dark music fascinates and scares at the same time: discover the mysterious melody of death, its history and why it gives us goose bumps - exciting and scary!
Learning to play the saxophone – 20 Questions with Daniel Steigleder
The saxophone is often used as a melody instrument because its sound comes close to the human voice. Daniel Steigleder answers our questionnaire.
The Sounds of Summer
Summer sounds: Shimmering heat, balmy evenings, thunderstorms - Holger Slowik presents his personal playlist for the warm season in the Stretta Journal.
Learning to sing – 20 questions for Sven Fürst
Experiencing the human voice in its full expressive power makes you grateful and happy! Opera singer Sven Fürst answers our questionnaire for aspiring singers.
Learning to play the piano – 20 Questions with Christiane Dehmer
The piano is versatile - ideal solo and in a duo, ensemble or band. Pianist Christiane Dehmer answers our questionnaire for your choice of instrument.
Learning to play the violin – 20 Questions with Aloisia Dauer
The violin can produce many tonal colours: funny, sad, majestic or seductive. Violinist Aloisia Dauer answers our questionnaire for your choice of instrument.
Learning to play the Trumpet – 20 Questions for Kristin Thielemann
The trumpet helps you discover openness and straightforwardness. Trumpeter Kristin Thielemann answers our questionnaire for your choice of instrument.
Learning to play the Clarinet – 20 questions for Flavia Feudi
The clarinet has the widest range of all woodwind instruments and plays softly to very loudly. Clarinettist Flavia Feudi answers our questionnaire for your choice of instrument.
"The world needs more artists" – in memoriam Chick Corea
Chick Corea has died at the age of 79. In Stretta Journal, composer Jan Reinelt pays tribute to the jazz pianist - and his influence on his own musical life.
Learning to play the flute – 20 Questions with Sophie-Therese Loeser
The flute doesn't just inspire with classics like “Peter and the Wolf”. Flutist Sophie-Therese Löser answers our questionnaire on the choice of instrument.
Learning to play the oboe– 20 Questions with Cornelia Riethmüller
Would you like to learn the oboe but still have a few unanswered questions? Cornelia Riethmüller will give you the answers!
Joy of Music – Rare Discoveries from the Schott Archives
Joy of Music, the series with rarities from the Schott Music publishing archive, is a joyful experience. Find out why in the Stretta Journal!
"Last Christmas" & "Silent Night": Origins, Message & Melodies
Let's examine two Christmas songs: Where do they come from? What's their story? What do the lyrics mean, and what makes their melody so memorable?
Great choral works in small scorings
Great choral repertoire for small ensembles too: Carus-Verlag presents new editions with reduced orchestration - Stretta Journal presents highlights!
Klezmer – From the Shtetl to the World Stage
Modern klezmer - folk music of Ashkenazi Jews, characterised by cultural exchange. A brief insight into the fascinating history since the 15th century.
