No. 240, April 2015
Bach & Beyond
Lisa Batiashvili is promoting a new Escaich concerto for violin and oboe
By Laurence Vittes
The Teacher
Bigger-than-life cellist and educator Frans Helmerson dispenses tailor-made, no-nonsense advice to his students
By Inge Kjemtrup
Border Crossing
There’s a bright future ahead for mariachi, the passionate (and sometimes maligned) music of Mexico
By Karen Peterson
Special Focus on: Contemporary Instruments & Bows
Where the Customer Always Comes First
Many of the world’s greatest violinists beat a path to Samuel Zygmuntowicz’s Brooklyn workshop
By Bruce Hodges
Great Bows Under $4,000
With a little shopping and research, savvy bow shoppers can find great bargains from contemporary makers
By Richard Ward
The Copycats
A copy of a fine stringed instrument remains a passionate and practical choice for many musicians
By Richard Ward
News & Notes
Cellist Matt Haimovitz’s new Beethoven set launches affiliation with Dutch label; violinist Stefan Jackiw’s premiere of David Fulmer’s Jubilant Arcs for violin and orchestra; and more; plus Milestones, and 5 minutes with concert violinist Gil Shaham
Encore
Violist Jessica Meyer: Why I play contemporary music
Strings 101
A string player’s guide to orchestral phrasing
Master Class
In appreciation of Douglas Moore’s collection of forgotten 19th-century violin and cello duets
Practice Makes Perfect
Jessica Bodner of the Parker Quartet on building a solid foundation
Teaching Strings
Galamian student Paul Makanowitzky taught sound production for soloists—with lessons that apply to all string players
Strings Trade
New rules for flying with an instrument remove mystery for musicians and airlines; new monograph series examines Treasures of Italian Violin Making; and more
Your Instrument
For some in the bow trade, the recent ivory ban underscores the trouble with political correctness
Ask the Expert
Can a carbon-fiber bow be re-cambered?
What’s in the Case
Stefan Jackiw finds his 1704 Vincenzo Rugeri violin a versatile vessel
Reviews
On Record Newly reissued historic recordings helped trigger a surge of interest in Haydn quartets; and more On Stage Pallade Musica delivers a confident performance of ancient music
