The Bowmakers (2019)
The story of the most important instrument you’ve never heard of.
This documentary film explores the world of the bow and the extraordinary masters who make them. The bow is the Cinderella of the orchestra—the overworked and overshadowed ally to its more glamorous partners. Few people, even among lovers of classical music, think of the bow as an instrument in its own right, but players of stringed instruments see them differently. To musicians, the bow is as essential to expressing the soul of the music as the violin or cello. The film follows the journey of the “silent servant” of the music world—from the workshops of the virtuosos of the trade, to the birthplace of the bow in France, and to Brazil, home to the imperiled tree from which the world’s finest bows are made.
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Top billed cast
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Charles EspeySelf, bow-makerPaul SiefriedSelf, bow-makerRobert MorrowSelf, bow-makerOle KanestromSelf, bow-makerCody KowalskiSelf, bow-makerStéphane TomachotSelf, bow-makerJoséphine TomachotSelf, bow-makerNoel BurkeSelf, bow-makerJohnny GandelsmanSelf, violinist, Brooklyn RiderColin JacobsenSelf, violinist, Brooklyn RiderNicholas CordsSelf, violist, Brooklyn RiderMichael NicolasSelf, cellist, Brooklyn RiderKeywords
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Viewing momentFrequently asked questions about The Bowmakers
What is The Bowmakers about?
This documentary film explores the world of the bow and the extraordinary masters who make them. The bow is the Cinderella of the orchestra—the overworked and overshadowed ally to its more glamorous partners. Few people, even among lovers of classical music, think of the bow as an instrument in its own right, but players of stringed instruments see them differently. To musicians, the bow is as essential to expressing the soul of the music as the violin or cello. The film follows the journey of the “silent servant” of the music world—from the workshops of the virtuosos of the trade, to the birthplace of the bow in France, and to Brazil, home to the imperiled tree from which the world’s finest bows are made.
How long is The Bowmakers?
The Bowmakers has a runtime of 106 minutes.
Where can I watch The Bowmakers?
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