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