No. 261, January 2017

The Original Impressionist

Giovanni Battista Guadagnini’s work alluded to the violins of past masters, but in a style all his own

By Philip J. Kass

The Holy Grail (of Cellos)

The spring 2016 sale of the 1743 ‘ex-Havemeyer’ Guadagnini broke auction records, reminding the world of the beauty and playability of this Italian master’s cellos

By Inge Kjemtrup

Instruments of the Soul

Five players on the magical voices of their Guadagnini instruments

Compiled by Stephanie Powell

Editor’s Note

News & Notes

Remembering Sir Neville Marriner; violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins wins $50K Sphinx Career Grant; plus Milestones; 5 minutes with violist Nadia Sirota, and more

News Spotlight

Tokyo’s Suntory Hall celebrates 30 years

Letter from the Crypt

Cellist Matt Haimovitz conjures Bach and recent commissions in an unusual venue

Curtain Call

Fiddler Sara Watkins on a tribute to American fiddler Byron Berline

Your Instrument

Learn how to look at wood, and its grain, like a violin maker

On My Music Stand

Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja on playing music that relates to her world view

My Studio

ASTA president Brenda Brenner on four steps toward more effective language in the classroom and studio

REVIEWS

For the Record: Anne Akiko Meyers on her latest release ‘Fantasia’ and a first and final commission from Rautavaara. In Print: Boccherini’s output offers charming works for diverse ensembles, and more.

Bright Lights in the Big City

Eclectic violin-viola duo Chargaux on their string-forward second album

Modern-Day Sherlock Holmes

A mysterious violin proves an interesting study in the process of authentication

Viola Party

On the joys of recording with friends, and hearing your own works come to life