"Few cello players currently before the public have enjoyed the kind of international success in all conceivable musical career roles as Janos Starker. In his lifetime, Starker has gained renown as teacher, soloist and orchestra player." -Chicago Tribune "Starker . . .remains one of the wonders of the musical world, an artist who finds innumerable ways to shape and color lines." -Cleveland Plain Dealer "Starker is not just a cellist. He is widely recognized as one of the finest of the last 50 years." -Indianapolis Star "Starker emerges here as the rare artist who respects the past but lives enthusiastically in the present. . . Essential. All readers; all levels." -Choice Janos Starker is universally acknowledged as one of the world's great musicians. Known for a flawless technique paired with expressive playing and interpretation, the Hungarian-born cellist is arguably also the premier teacher of his instrument in our time. String players flock to his masterclasses from all over the world, and cellists compete vigorously to study under him at the Indiana University School of Music. More than the consummate musician, however, Starker is also a raconteur and writer, occasionally quirky and droll, always witty and with a pointed opinion to share. The World of Music According to Starker is a colorful autobiography spanning the author's fascinating life. From his early musical education during World War II in Hungary, to his world tours, educational philosophy, and recording and pedagogical legacy, Starker takes the reader on a riveting, entertaining, and informative journey. Included in the book are several of Starker's short stories and commentaries on world events, academia, and-of course-music that have appeared in newspapers, music periodicals, and trade magazines. Also includes a bonus CD recording of Starker's last public recital, which is unavailable commercially and includes his only recording of the Strauss Sonata in F, Opus 6. Included on the CD: Richard Strauss, Sonata in F, Opus 6 Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonata in C major, Opus 102 no. 1 Johannes Brahms, Sonata in E minor, Opus 38 Franz Schubert, Sonatina in D, Opus 137 no. 1 (Starker edition)

`In all areas of human endeavour, time and again an individual appears who, due to a multitude of personal attributes, elevates his or her field to a hitherto unknown height. Such an individual was William Primrose. His name and the viola are synonymous.' Janos Starker This unique book is the result of a series of conversations with Primrose in the last years before his death in 1982. David Dalton describes how he came to the great artist armed with every question he could think of pertaining to performing on and teaching the viola. The lively dialogue contains a wealth of illuminating advice for the student on the technicalities of playing the viola. It is, however, far more than a technical guide. The two violists discuss the unique position of their instrument - `an instrument without tradition' is Primrose's bald description. They cover the topic of repertoire with fascinating insights into the performance of the great concertos by Bartok and Walton, with which Primrose was so closely associated. Still more invaluable advice emerges from the discussion of Primrose's own experience, on the art of performance, on demeanour on stage, on competitions, on recordings, and on preparing for a career. The book is a tribute to one of the greatest artists of this century.

The Hungarian-American cellist captured live in Tokyo on July the 30th, 1988 performing pieces by Bach, Cassadó and Kodály.