No. 219, July 2013
Kronos Quartet: The Birth of a Titan
As ensemble marks its 40th anniversary, 'Strings' charts the formative years of the group that reinvented the string quartet.
Michael Doucet: A Louisiana State of Mind
Cajun fiddler traces the roots of American music on a new album that moves from Mali to bayou country.
Special Focus: 2013 Buyer’s Guide
Exhibits of Handmade Violins Offer One-Stop Shopping Experience
Thinking of commissioning a stringed instrument? Or just buying a new stock item? Modern-maker exhibits offer a chance to compare the wares and even meet the luthiers.
Building a Custom Violin Can Be Poetic & Even Mysterious
Learn the ground rules before you commission a violin, viola, cello, or bass.
Getting the Best Custom Stick
Want to commission a bow? The approaches are as varied as the players and makers themselves.
The String Musician’s Essential Directory
A resource guide to makers, dealers, suppliers & more.
Practice Makes Perfect
Daily practice tips: Violinist Misha Keylin stresses consistency.
NEWS
News & Notes
Remembering conductor James DePreist; Apocalyptica co-founder Max Lilja flies solo; Alice Tully Hall hosts cello extravaganza; and more; plus News Briefs, Milestones, and 5 Minutes with violinist Maxim Vengerov.
News Spotlight
Cellist and educator Janos Starker, 1924–2013
Strings 101
Think you’re in tune? Think again.
And try these tips.
Play It!
‘Limerock’ for intermediate string orchestra. With music to play.
Master Class
Popper’s cello études address false harmonics, high thumb positions, string crossings, shifts, and more.
Practical Musician
According to music coach Barry Green, excellent technique is just the beginning.
Teaching Strings
5 practical steps to teaching Baroque performance practice.
On My Music Stand
Tracy Silverman: Kenji Bunch pens Concerto for electric violin and flash-mob style orchestra.
Strings Trade
Did opera singers inspire Stradivari’s feeling for sound?; the Ashmolean’s large Stradivari exhibit; two violin shops find new homes; and the VSA/Oberlin Workshops for Makers & Acoustics to get underway; plus Bench Marks.
Your Instrument
Learn what can make or break your next bow rehair.
Ask the Experts
What to do when your instrument’s finish is damaged.
What’s in the Case?
Joshua Bell found his soulmate in the 1713 ‘Gibson, ex-Huberman’ Stradivari.
New Products
CodaBow’s lightweight Luma violin bow; the ScaleHelper Mobile App; the Triplet Music Lighted Music Stands; and the NS Design NXT Omni Bass
REVIEWS
On Stage: The Portland Cello Project wows a San Francisco audience;
In Print: The Orchestral Violinist’s Companion, Vols. 1 & 2, by Martin Wulfhorst, and other editions;
On Record: Daniel Hope’s Spheres surveys the contemplative connection between 400 years of violin music; and other CD reviews
