Click on Classical: A viola speaks, a violin shreds, and a rousing debate about relaxation

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Every Monday morning at 9:15, I join John Birge on Classical MPR to talk about stories we're featuring on our website. Here are the pieces we'll be discussing today.

​Many visitors to ClassicalMPR.org were delighted with our "section's-eye views" of choral music — and now we're delving into the orchestra, starting with Minnesota Orchestra violist Sam Bergman — who describes the violas as the "listeners" of the orchestra.

There are electric guitars...why not electric violins? I spoke with Sarah Charness, a classically-trained New York violinist who rocks fashion runways and sports arenas with her hot-pink electric instrument. She told me all about her unusual career path and why she thinks classical music ensembles need to evolve — they speak, she says with affection but frankness, "a dying language."

If that sounds controversial, just wait until you read this next piece. Patrick Castillo, a composer who was formerly with the SPCO and is now based in New York, takes issue with the idea that classical music should be described as "relaxing." His essay, "Beethoven didn't write the Eroica Symphony for your yoga class," has been attracting thousands of readers — and dozens of commenters. Check it out, and share your views.

If you have thoughts to share about this topic or any other, please let us know​! We're always looking for new writers and new viewpoints.