No. 262, February 2017
The Alan Gilbert Era
As his tenure approaches its close, Gilbert and several of the New York Philharmonic’s most prominent string players consider the defining achievements of their time together
By Thomas May
Three Sides
Violist Kim Kashkashian on her latest album ‘Arcanum’ and the three-way relationship between performer, audience, and composer By David Templeton
Days of Judgment
On the sleepless nights and eventual rewards of judging a VSA competition
By Matt Wehling
SPECIAL FOCUS
Rostropovich Retrospective: The Great Cellist’s Lasting Impact, 90 Years Since His Birth, 10 Years Since His Death
Legend in His Own Time
Rostropovich’s technique and advocacy for new music elevated the cello and more than doubled its repertoire
By Miranda Wilson
Freedom Fighter
Rostropovich’s influence went beyond repertoire and technique as a cellist
By Martin Steinberg
Learning by Heart
Five former students on the lasting legacy of their teacher
Compiled by Stephanie Powell
Fit for a King
Rostropovich’s ‘Duport’ Strad was the indirect result of a royal war of succession
By Andrew Dipper
Essential Discography
10 can’t-miss Rostropovich recordings
By Elizabeth Wilson
Editor’s Note
News & Notes
2016 Violin Society of America Competition results; auction update: Winston Churchill’s ‘Cigar Box’ violin sells & G.B. Guadagnini violin goes for $1.2 million; plus Milestones; 5 minutes with composer Julia Wolfe, and more
Curtain Call
Jazz violinist Christian Howes on the gift of composing and the ‘creative gene’
Tales of the Trade
The luthiers behind the Royal Academy of Music Museum
New Products
Yamaha’s 4- and 5-string YEV electric violins pack a potent punch
On My Music Stand
Violinist Lindsay Deutsch on popular music and the element of improvisation
My Studio
6 strategies to help students memorize music more effectively
Stage & Studio
Ruminating on the evolution of concert attire
REVIEWS
For the Record: Cellist Robert Irvine on his new album—with all proceeds going to UNICEF. Onstage: Midori balances power and poise in riveting Philadelphia return. On Record: Kronos Quartet celebrates 50 years of ecological beauty in California’s Sea Ranch, and more.
