| This bow is by and branded A. Richaume a Paris. The
round stick is made from first quality pernambuco and the quality
and poise of the work bears testament to the high esteem placed
upon Richaume by bow experts, connoisseurs and players alike.
There are several major reference works available
on French bow makers. In Volume 2 - page 808 of the double volume
encyclopaedia - 'Les Archets Francais' (Second edition published
by Sernor - M. Dufour) - by French violin and bow expert and connoisseur
Etienne Vatelot - Vatelot states "One of the most remarkable bow makers
of his generation".
Yes. Christopher Brown in his beautifully produced
Volume - 'Discovering Bows for the Double Bass' - 1994 Beaux Arts
Editions page 173 - writes "One of the great French bow makers of the 20th century".
Yes indeed. On page 418 of 'L'Archet' (Published
L'Archet Editions 2000. ISBN : 2-9515569-0-X) - the sumptuously
produced four volume reference work with text in French, English
and German by Bernard Millant and Jean François Raffin the
following is written; "He
remains one of the great bowmakers of the early twentieth century.
His personal notes testify to the quantity as well as quality of
his production".
Yes indeed it has. Both Monsieur Millant and Monsieur
Raffin are recognised worldwide for their expertise in this highly
specialist field. As a result - L'Archet has become the new standard
reference work on French bows and their makers.
There are two full pages of text in each language
and no less than seven pages of full colour photos of his work.
The photos are in both actual-size and in an expanded format -
to show the more important details such as brand stamps and various
frog and button views. In addition to the wonderful photography
- there is a copy of Richaume's death certificate, a picture of
his workshop and a letter written to André Chardon.
L'Archet Vol 3, page 418 there is a listing of his
output that totals 1158 bows. The listing is as follows;
1000 silver and ebony bows
15 gold and ebony bows
13 gold and ivory bows
60 gold and tortoise-shell bows
50 silver and ivory bows
20 silver and horn bows
Richaume was apprenticed with Emile François
Ouchard (known as Ouchard Pére) and later with his uncle Victor
Fétique
in Paris. Occasionally he worked with his other uncle Jules Fétique.
As a consequence of working with these master bow makers - Richaume's
style of making is both bold yet highly artistic.
The bow dates from 1950 and is accompanied by a
full photo certificate from Jean Francois Raffin. The certificate
is dated 24th May 1996.
In addition to being co-author of L'Archet - the
authorative encyclopaedia on bows of the French school - Monsieur
Raffin appraises and certifies bows. In 1996 he was awarded the
distinction of "Expert to
the Court of Appeal" in Paris.
Yes that is correct. Raffin is a pretty talented
chap - to say the least. In terms of bow making Rafin has produced
a small number of really fine bows that are appreciated by both
players and collectors. It is however - his work to the restoration
of fine bows that he has dedicated much of his life and for which
he is recognised as a true master.
Yes. Overall we would describe the condition of
the bow as very good.
If you take a look at the bow or just simply view
the pictures of it on the web site you will see that there is a
small impact bruise on the near side (holding bow with head to
the left) lower head - towards the central ridge. In addition -
the frog has some seen some very minor restoration work to the
ebony - just below the metal slide and there is the semblance of
a hairline crack in the ebony of the nose of the frog.
On the bows that we have examined by Richaume -
the brand stamps have all been impressed relatively faintly. The
stamp on this bow is consistent with this observation. It is still
however - quite legible.
The condition of the mortise is excellent.
The Raffin certificate says that all the principal
parts are original. It goes on to describe the bow and then in
the final sentence it says "A very fine specimen by this major French maker in good
condition and dating from around 1950."
The bow is wonderfully strong - yet flexible. It
produces a good, full "orchestral" sound that is perfect for Brahms and
Bruckner symphonies. When required - it responds equally well to
spiccato and generally more subtle styles of playing.
Yes. The violinist David Oistrakh used a bow by
Richaume throughout his life.
Richaume was born in Mirecourt on 08/02/1905 and
died in Paris on 31/03/1966.
There seems little doubt that the style and quality
of Richaume's work was influence by that of his uncle's work. Jules
Fétique
in turn was very much influenced by the work of the great bow maker
- Eugène Sartory - for whom he worked for several years.
The style and celebrity of Sartory would also have been virtually
impossible for Richaume to ignore. In this example - Richaume's
work is truly in the same class as that of Sartory.
In terms of playability this is a bow that feels
and plays well beyond your highest expectations.
Length of Stick : 683 mm
Weight : 143 gm
|
