Lot Essay
Certificate: Paul Childs, Montrose, NY, February 7, 2012 with photographs attached
The bow has come a long way since its inception and has evolved to meet both the needs of musicians and the demands of new musical styles. Modifications were made over time, but it took the genius of a French clockmaker turned instrument craftsman to launch the era of the modern bow. François Xavier Tourte revolutionized the form. His changes resulted in a bow that would allow musicians to play more varied repertoires in larger venues - ultimately meeting the changing demands of the musical scene in the 19th century. Often likened to Stradivari in terms of his impact and innovative spirit, Tourte is the unrivaled master of the modern bow.
The bow has come a long way since its inception and has evolved to meet both the needs of musicians and the demands of new musical styles. Modifications were made over time, but it took the genius of a French clockmaker turned instrument craftsman to launch the era of the modern bow. François Xavier Tourte revolutionized the form. His changes resulted in a bow that would allow musicians to play more varied repertoires in larger venues - ultimately meeting the changing demands of the musical scene in the 19th century. Often likened to Stradivari in terms of his impact and innovative spirit, Tourte is the unrivaled master of the modern bow.