TRIANGLE

TIMPANI

CYMBALS

CONDUCTOR

Watch for subsequent issues of Overture as we explore more INSTRUMENTS of the orchestra !

• Bows are used by all violin family instruments , such as the violin , viola , cello , and double bass .

• Most bows are made from Pernambuco or Brazilwood , although some are also made from carbon fiber .

• Bow hair comes from a horse ’ s tail , which is rough enough to vibrate a string when combined with rosin , a hard , sticky tree resin that helps ensure traction .

Tip Plate

Tip

Hair

Stick Ferrule

Winding

Thumb Leather Eye Screw

HISTORY OF THE BOW

Early history : The earliest known use of bows dates back to the tenth century-century Islamic world , quickly spreading eastwards through Asia and Westwards through Europe via the Byzantine Empire . European examples of early bowed instruments include the rebab , rebec , bowed lyra ( lute ), vielle ( fiddle ), viola da gamba , and lyra da braccio . Bows for these instruments arched outwards , away from the hair .

Modern history : The first modern bows for violin family instruments emerged during the 18th century , driven by innovations by figures like François Tourte , “ the Stradavari of the bow .” Unlike earlier bows , which arched outwards , these new bows curved downward towards the hair , allowing increased consistency of tone .

MAR-APR 2024 / OVERTURE 47