Garritan is shipping Stradivari Solo Violin 2.0 ($199; $29 upgrade for current Stradivari customers). This updated version integrates Native Instruments Kontakt 2 sample player, which allows the instrument to work as a standalone or as a plug-in in a number of sequencers, DAWs, hosts, and supported notation programs.

Other improvements to the Stradivari Solo Violin include new samples with both a Lyrical instrument and a Classic instrument; reduced CPU so that multiple instruments can be loaded and played in real-time on one computer; better legato and note transitions; new bow change features; and sustain pizzicato. The Stradivari utilizes Sonic Morphing technology, which enables you to play the instrument and control dynamics, vibrato, and articulations in real-time.

You can listen to a demo of the Stradivari 2.0 performed by David Hearn here. For more demos (including videos), visit garritan.com/stradivari.html.