A review of Fiddling With Life

   For a decade before his retirement, the noted Canadian-born violinist Steven Staryk taught at the University of Washington, a fact that should draw attention to this unusual hybrid of biography and autobiography.
   Packaged with a CD that has Staryk tracks keyed to informative notes in the book, this memoir ranges far and wide - from Staryk's early years in Canada to his rise to eminence as the concertmaster of three of the world's finest orchestras.
   Lewis discusses Staryk's reserve and dignity on the stage in an era in which more popular violinists freely exhibit their feelings and emotions in their faces and bodies on the stage. One observer notes, "He doesn't try to sell himself," and that may be the problem; certainly his playing was impeccable and technically brilliant. The same reserve exhibited in his playing is telegraphed in this book, suggesting an artist whose secrets are not for public display.
   For a decade before his retirement, the noted Canadian-born violinist Steven Staryk taught at the University of Washington, a fact that should draw attention to this unusual hybrid of biography and autobiography.

Packaged with a CD that has Staryk tracks keyed to informative notes in the book, this memoir ranges far and wide - from Staryk's early years in Canada to his rise to eminence as the concertmaster of three of the world's finest orchestras.
Lewis discusses Staryk's reserve and dignity on the stage in an era in which more popular violinists freely exhibit their feelings and emotions in their faces and bodies on the stage. One observer notes, "He doesn't try to sell himself," and that may be the problem; certainly his playing was impeccable and technically brilliant. The same reserve exhibited in his playing is telegraphed in this book, suggesting an artist whose secrets are not for public display.

A review of Fiddling With Life, January 28, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from Toronto, Ontario Canada What a story! What a life. Why? Because for this reader, the excitement of discovering a musical genius of our time is a peak experience. This is a world class violinist who somehow managed to escape the public eye, yet he was concertmaster of not one, but four world class orchestras: the Royal Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw, the Chicago Symphony, and the Toronto Symphony. His discography reads like a summary of the violin literature. His students are in professional orchestras throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. And, unlike most violin virtuosi who find one great instrument, he has owned many in his 50 year career. Documenting them in detail in this book! Although tarred by McCarthy politics in the 1950's he went on to become the concertmaster of the Royal Philharmonic by the age of 24, earning the title,"king of concertmasters" from the Strad. magazine. The book documents in realistic detail the real world of a professional violinist. If you are even remotely interested in the shadowy side of the classical music business, the roiling dynamics of a professional orchestra, unrealistic academe, great violins, and the vagaries of a professional career, you'll want Fiddling With Life. What a story! (Amazon Reviewer)