Violinist.com Interviews, Vol. 2 is now available!

March 30, 2018, 10:30 AM · It's out! I'm happy to announce that our second book, Violinist.com Interviews, Volume 2 with a foreword by Rachel Barton Pine, is now available on Amazon; click here for the link to purchase the book! This volume follows our 2014 book, Violinist.com Interviews, Volume 1, with a set of entirely different interviews, some with artists that were in the first volume and some that were not. All the interviews stand on their own, so you don't need to read the first volume to understand the second - though they do make a nice set!

This collection includes interviews I've done for Violinist.com over the past five years, including pictures of the artists. Who is included in Volume 2? Their names are all on the cover, but you might need a magnifying glass to find them....Here is a list:

Frank Almond
Rachel Barton Pine
Deborah Borda
Terry Borman
Ray Chen
Jinjoo Cho
Nathan Cole
James Ehnes
Ning Feng
Midori Goto
Augustin Hadelich
Hilary Hahn
Daniel Heifetz
Daniel Hope
Daishin Kashimoto
Mayu Kishima
Jennifer Koh
Alexander Markov
Anne Akiko Meyers
Tai Murray
Rachel Podger
Philippe Quint
Julian Rachlin
Aaron Rosand
Gil Shaham
Lindsey Stirling
Vera Tsu Weiling

Once again, I was not able to include everyone that I would like to include -- one day there might be a Volume 3!

Putting this collection together, I was happy to find that these 24 violinists and violists (plus one orchestra CEO and one violin maker) tell a wide range of stories, from diverse viewpoints, representing four different continents. Their stories paint a picture of what it has been like to be a violinist in both the 20th and 21st century, ranging from my interview with Aaron Rosand at age 90, to the highly 21st-century career of Ray Chen with his social media savvy. Rachel Barton Pine, who wrote a beautiful foreword to the book, shares her well-researched insights about both Mozart and Bach. Chinese violinist Vera Tsu Weiling speaks growing up during the "Cultural Revolution" and hiding in a basement to practice. Midori talks of her love for teaching; Gil Shaham of his love for Bach. A number of people bring their storied mentors alive for us -- Tai Murray speaks of Joseph Gingold; Daniel Heifetz of Efrem Zimbalist and Ivan Galamian; Daniel Hope of Yehudi Menuhin; Hilary Hahn of Jascha Brodsky. Violinists also talk about breaking into other genres on the violin -- noted Paganini specialist Alexander Markov talks about his love for rock 'n' roll; Rachel Podger illustrates the bias people once had for those specializing in Baroque period performance; and Lindsey Stirling gives an inspirational account of her persistence against the considerable resistance to her unique brand of entertainment that now has made her a cultural phenomenon. The interviews also highlight our beloved instrument: Frank Almond's amazing journey (including the theft and recovery) with the "Lipinski" Strad; Terry Borman describes the state of modern violin-making; Julian Rachlin speaks of the importance of the bow. And I still haven't mentioned everyone!

Each interview has an introduction, written especially for the book, that brings the reader up-to-date with a developments that occurred with the artist after the interview. I'm also grateful for the wonderful talents of Brian Niles, who created the cover art for both books; and for Kathryn Mueller of Katsnaps Photography for taking my portrait. (There are more pictures of me and of the book cover, etc., at laurieniles.com.

So I invite you to buy our book! I'm still planning some book-signings and appearances; e-mail me if you'd like to interview me about the book or invite me to an event - I enjoy reading passages, chatting and signing books! In the meantime, we appreciate all the support from our friends and readers in buying the book and rating it highly on Amazon.com. Your purchases and recommendations encourage Amazon to suggest the book to other customers, helping expose it to more potential readers. (And if you'd like to "like" the book on Facebook, the official page is at facebook.com/violininterviews.)

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Replies

38.142.17.106

March 30, 2018 at 06:32 PM · Just ordered mine on Amazon!

Would it be possible to ask for a signed copy? I don't live near CA. :(

Laurie Niles

March 30, 2018 at 08:18 PM · I will be happy to sign your copy the next time I’m in...where do you live? :)

Paul Deck

March 31, 2018 at 01:15 AM · Signed copies are available by sending a FedEx pre-paid shipping label made out to your address, and a check for $100 (handling fee), to:

Laurie@Violinist.com

140 Allegro Ln.

Pasadena CA 90103

Just kidding -- congratulations on your new book Laurie!

Peter Carter

March 31, 2018 at 11:05 AM · Are you still thinking of interviewing Steven Staryk Laurie? He's not getting any younger...

Laurie Niles

March 31, 2018 at 03:49 PM · LOL very funny Paul! (btw that is not my address!) Peter, that is a great idea!

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