The master thesis examines the development of the violin bow, focusing on the work and innovations of François Xavier Tourte, who laid the foundations for the modern violin bow in the 18th century. Through an analysis of the historical context, the influence of the musical aesthetics of the time on performers and bow makers, the exploration of technical improvements of the instrument, and the impact of violin technique development, we have investigated how violin bows have evolved from the Baroque period to the present day. At the beginning, the thesis introduces Slovenian terminology for all parts of the bow and explains their significance for its structure and function. It presents the transition from Baroque bows, which were shorter and less flexible, through transitional bows such as the Cramer model, to Tourte’s design, which established the standard for the length, curvature, and materials of today's bows. Tourte’s innovations enabled a broader dynamic range, greater control over articulation, and improved responsiveness, which significantly ad a profound effect on violin technique and the development of the violin repertoire. The thesis explores different ways of holding the violin and bow, as well as various violin schools and their impact on bowing technique development. It also discusses the influence of Tourte’s bow on modern violin playing and the challenges faced by contemporary bow makers due to the limited availability of pernambuco wood. Alternative materials, such as carbon fiber, offer potential substitutes, but do not yet achieve all the qualities of the classical bow.. The study provides a comprehensive insight into the evolution of the violin bow and highlights the significance of Tourte’s innovations, which continue to set the standard for bow-making and violin technique today.
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