In this talk, Patron of Salisbury Musick Margaret Faultless explores the fascinating relationship between composers and instrumental technology by looking at the development of the violin bow.

The relation between composers and instrumental technology is a chicken and egg question – which comes first? Composers developing, extending and changing the nature of musical expression or instrument and bow makers developing the technologies of instruments for performers to play. Maggie Faultless explores this fascinating relationship, discussing the changes in the violin bow (described as the soul of the music by many composers) over the centuries.

Photo courtesy of Zen Grisdale/OAE.