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Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg

The classical musician says, now that she's established herself as an accomplished performer, she no longer feels the need to prove herself. She got her start early; her mother made sure she practiced. At nineteen, after a nine-month hiatus from the violin, she finally decided she wanted to devote her life to the instrument.

09:42
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Other segments from the episode on February 8, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 8, 1989: Interview with Gregory Hines; Review of the album "The Leroy Anderson Collection"; Interview with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg; Obituary for John Cassavetes.
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27:52

Actor and Dancer Gregory Hines

Hines started tap dancing at the age of five, and worked in clubs with his brother and father. He made a career on Broadway, and later appeared in movies like The Cotton Club and White Knights. His new movie is called Tap.

Interview
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06:48

Orchestral Gems at Three Minutes Apiece

Leroy Anderson was classical composer who often used popular forms in his orchestral music. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says a new collection of Anderson's Americana-infused work reveals his charm and wit.

Review
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03:39

Remembering Director John Cassavetes

Film critic Stephen Schiff says that Cassavetes, who died this month at the age of 59, was just starting to live up to the promise of his jagged talent. The director's films were often indulgent and overwrought, but never without power.

Obituary

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41:57

The "Bad Girl" of the Violin.

Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. Born in Russia, she emigrated to Philadelphia with her family when she was eight so that she could attend the Curtis Institute. Later her unorthodox playing, and unconventional attire on stage earned her a reputation as the "bad girl" of classical violin. In 1994 she nearly sliced the tip of her finger off chopping onions, and after surgery and painful practicing, she returned to the stage. Sonnenberg has played with just about every major orchestra and has recorded 15 albums.

Interview
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07:01

A Violinist's Violinist.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new recording of live performances from the 1959 Salzburg Festival, including the late Erica Morini playing Mozart's Violin concerto No. 5, conducted by George Szell with the French National Radio and Television Orchestra. (on Sony)

Review

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