A deep dive into the violin bow hold: advantages and disadvantages of different ways of holding the bow

Emiel de Jongh

About this exposition

This research focused on the technical and expressive advantages of the different bow holds for the violin and viola. To explore these topics, I have conducted a literature study and practical experimentation. Literature shows that there are roughly three periods during which different bow holds and basic principle in holding the bow developed. In the Classical period the foundation for the bow hold was laid alongside advancements in the bow making profession. The Romantic period saw a competition between the Franco-Belgian, German and Russian bow holds, of which two survived into the Modern Period. In the Modern Period further consolidation of the different schools of bowing occurred, resulting in a dominance of the Franco-Belgian bow hold. Although the Russian school is not taught widely anymore, there may be advantages as to using this bow hold. Modern violinists like Aaron Rosand and Ray Chen are examples of violinists using both bow holds for specific ends. During my studies I have experimented with both bow holds. My experience is in line with literature and with the experiences expressed by Aaron Rosand and Leonidas Kavakos. In conclusion, it is valuable to explore both bow holds and how it affects violin playing and sound.

type	research exposition
date	22/04/2024
published	04/07/2024
last modified	04/07/2024
status	limited publication
copyright	Emiel de Jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
language	English
url	https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/2750454/2750455
published in	KC Research Portal
portal issue	3. Internal publication

name	Master Research final draft v14
copyright	Emiel de Jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	pdf

name	Ray Chen bow holds
copyright	Ray Chen
license	Public domain
usages	video

name	Legato Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Legato Russisch
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Detache Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Detache Russisch
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Detache Fast Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Detache Fast Russian
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Martele Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Martele Russisch
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Staccato Russisch
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Staccato Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Portato Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Portato Russisch
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Spiccato Russian
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Spiccato Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Bach slow Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Bach fast Russian
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Bach fast Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Borodin Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Borodin Russian
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Walton Modern
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Walton Russisch
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

name	Bach slow Russian
copyright	Emiel de jongh Swemer
license	CC BY-NC-ND
usages	video

Research Catalogue

an international database for artistic research

A deep dive into the violin bow hold: advantages and disadvantages of different ways of holding the bow (2024)

Copyrights