The Evolution of the Violin Bow and the Tourte Bow's Impact on Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 5, Op. 24

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the developments of the violin bow and the Tourte bows significant impact on bowing technique, focusing on Beethovens Fifth Violin Sonata. An informatory history of Beethovens significant three periods of composition will be touched upon. Following, the research will focus on the developments of the bow and will conclude with a discussion on the performance practice of violin bow playing before and after the evolution of the Tourte bow, with Beethovens Violin Sonata No. 5 in mind.

The Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 5 in F Major (1800-1801, marks the end of his early compositional period which dates from 1770 to about 1802, and is a select example of how Beethoven exploits the increased sustaining capabilities and bowing techniques of the newly improved late 18th century Tourte bow. Earlier composers such as Mozart made lasting influences on his works regarding the traditional structure and balance of the sonata model, and his Sonata No. 5 is among the pioneers in which Beethoven attempts to extend the current limits of composition and performance.

The underlying reasons for the vast change from the old bow to the new Tourte model went hand in hand with the changing ideals of style, musical taste, and expression. This interaction is clearly evident in the history of the bow, particularly, in the 18th century. The longer bow, camber of the stick, and wider ribbon of hair undoubtedly produced a fuller, more powerful and sustained tone promoting the growing importance on the even-ness of sound. Also, a quicker response in the initial stroke essential to producing the extensive range of recently encountered bowing technique, varying from the bouncing of the bow to sforzando, legato, detaché effects, among others, were now achievable and could be employed in Beethoven's works. The bows pre-dated to that of the Tourte had constituted a loss in freedom in tempo, dynamic detail, phrasing, nuances, accents, articulation, and tonal pallet in contrast to the modern model. Hence, the Tourte bow opened new horizons in matters of technicality and therefore was representative of the quintessential advancement that helped engineer the expressivity in Beethovens music.