JAVS Fall 2007

my physical and brain powers to a whole new level. Opening up my mind to new ideas and thoughts was liberating and inspiring. I have found that the rwo sryles of playing are not that separate after all, and can coexist happily. I also enjoyed working on the new edi tions (especially the challenges and nuances of the Sibelius(r) software program). After having these ideas rattling around in my head for so long, to finally have the printed parts in my hands gives me great satisfaction.

sages at the tip? Why do short notes have to be bounced or stac cato? What do the markings in the music r~ally mean? How are ornaments different in the Baroque era than in subsequent ones? These are just some of the many questions that I was forced to confront in my own playing when returning to the modern instrument. Overall, this experience- other than being the life-saving time off that I desperately needed- was one of the greatest events in my life. I loved the challenge of learning a new instrument and of stretching

students, who have sometimes looked at me a bit cross-eyed when I gor into one of my long winded proselytizing sessions on Bach and Baroque interpretacion (and rightly so, I might add). Maybe now I will make a bit more sense! And perhaps Baroque violists will have a bit more co do as soloists and nor just ensemble players. -Christin~ Rutkdg~ uaclus at th~ Univmity ofIowa and is a formu mnnb~r of tlu AVS National Board

I look forward to passing on my experiences and inspiration co my

_iOURNAL OF THE AM.E:RIC:::AN VIQI,A ~QC:::l ~TY 42