| Description |
Bow hold is a critical component of violin technique; it greatly influences an artist's tone production and virtuosity. Because bow hold is based in part on performance style and individual preference, various approaches have been introduced over the past centuries. One such approach, the "Russian" violin bow hold, came to prominence during the late nineteenth century. It was named such due to its strong connection to the pedagogue Leopold Auer, who taught at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Auer's students, including Jascha Heifetz, Nathan Milstein, and Mischa Elman, were among the most famous violinists of the twentieth century. Their influence brought the "Russian" bow hold popularity both in Europe and throughout the world. In the modern day, the "Russian" bow hold has lost prominence in musical institutions and violin pedagogy, yet the legacy Auer and his students created has not disappeared. There are many performers and teachers that continue the tradition. Some violinists retain elements of the bow hold in their own playing, though the roots of the technique often go unrecognized. While the popularity of the "Russian" bow hold has diminished, its validity and relevance remain. Studying the origins and influence of the "Russian" bow hold helps violinists today better understand why they play the way they do, and where their technique fits in pedagogical history. |
