No. 190, February 2011
The Man, the Myth, the Musician on the Move
At 28, Russian violinist Ilya Gringolts has crafted a career rich with possibilities By Inge Kjemtrup
Rising Stars Embrace a Classic
Young classical lions of the cello roar for Dvorak's famed concerto By Laurence Vittes
Plugging In Is a Great Way to Boost Your Sonic Palette
7 things to consider when buying your first electric violin, viola, cello, or upright bass By Blaise Kielar
But How Do I Play the Danged Thing!?
5 electric-violin bowing tips for the newly plugged in By Gregory Walker
For Plugged-in Cellists, It's All About Controlling Feedback
Use your amplification gear to squelch wolf tones By Zoe Keating
News & Notes
Fiddler Michael Cleveland is flush in bluegrass awards, new Juilliard Quartet first violinist chosen, Sebastian Ruth and Community MusicWorks honored, Vadim Gluzman creates new chamber-music festival, and 5 minutes with . . . David Coucheron, plus News Briefs By Rory Williams
Center Stage
Bela R. Balogh Is Redefining the Meaning of Serious Music Freewheeling maestro behind 3 Leg Torso is part Gypsy, part classical, and all creative By Christopher Roberts
Letter From
Dreamscape: A Fiddler Is Seduced by the Ancient Arts Life is just a dream in Varanasi, India—the City of Music
Strings 101
6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Viola Tone Production Learn to break it down and boost your sound By Heather K. Scott
Play It!
A Challenging Primer: Learn to Play a Lanzetti Cello Sonata An early duo that set the pace for the instrument's melodic capabilities By Sarah Freiberg
Play a Scottish Air for String Orchestra 'Lamentation for James Moray of Abercarney' by Niel Gow By Renata Bratt
Master Class
Savoring a Powerful Trio of Brahms' Most Lyrical Works Three introspective violin sonatas that range from calm to intense By Edith Eisler
Teaching Strings
Happy Parent, Happy Student—Happy String Teacher 5 ways to get mom or dad more involved in music lessons By Danielle Gomez
Practical Musician
How to Prevent or Even Cure a Violin Hickey Blemish seen as a mark of valor by some string players, but it can be the result of health problems By Christopher Roberts
On My Music Stand
A Neglected Bartok Concerto That Demands More Attention James Ehnes considers Bartok's Violin Concerto No. 1 a masterpiece in its own right By James Ehnes
Strings Trade
Filmmaker goes in search of the 'Messiah' Strad, auction highlights, and 2010 VSA Competition results, plus Bench Marks By David Templeton
Your Instrument
How to Select the Best Strings for Your Particular Needs Finding the right strings starts with figuring out what you want to hear By David Folland
New Products
CodaBow Joule extended-range bows for viola and cello; the Xtensor exercise device; Passione bass strings, the Soul Locator soundpost scale; and the Lucchi Sound software program
In Print
David Philip Hefti's Poem Lunaire for viola and piano; Henle edition of Schumann's Five Pieces in Folk Style, Op. 102; Barbara Barber's Fingerboard Geography for Viola, Vol. 1; William Alwyn's Ballade for viola and piano; Time Pieces for double bass, Vol. 1 and 2, arranged by Rodney Slatford; and Hymns for Contemporary Worship for two violins and piano, arranged by Catherine McMichael
On Record
Gidon Kremer's Hymns and Prayers and De Profundis; NCCO and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg's New Century Chamber Orchestra Live!; Dave Eggar's Kingston Morning; Cuarteto Casals' Metamorphosis; and discs from Nate Grower; Laura Cortese, Natalie Haas, Brittany Haas, and Hanneke Cassel; Jocelyn Pettit; and Arvel Bird By Greg Cahill
Miscellany
Making a Splash for Charity Musequality ramping up for World Busk Week 2011
