does anyone have a good recommendation on the bible of modern string technique?
i have a cd of Helmut Lachenmann's string quartet "Gran Torso" on the col legno label, and the booklet (though only in german) describes in words and pictures how the players are producing all the various sounds he conjures...but like i said, it's in german.
This is an excellent book if you want to know about all sorts of extended techniques and references from actual pieces of music:
http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Modern-Instrumental-Techniques-Gardner/dp/0313285128/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239369150&sr=8-1
Also, it might help to get the score to Gran Torso. If you want, I can e-mail you a copy.