THE VIOLIN MAKER, THE BOW MAKER
& THE MUSICIAN
Three short films that take a look at what’s behind the music, how skilled craftspeople and musicians come to work together.
We meet Violin maker Yuki Hori in his Tokyo workshop, Bow maker Kunitaka Ohse at his workshop in Gokayama and finally Violinist Yoko Kubo. Each talk of how their trade and how integral it is to the process to work symbiotically with each other, in pursuit of the highest results possible.
Filming took place in Tokyo and Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the west of Japan, working closely alongside Art Director and Script Writer for the project, Kenzo Hiramatsu. Video editing was undertaken back at my London studio.
Violin maker Yuki Hori, has received high praise from the top domestic performers and overseas experts for his work. He discusses his journey and how Stradivarius has had a long lasting influence upon his work.
The Violin Maker
[ Full version (3:05) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Niccolò Paganini Caprice no.24 in a Minor played by Yoko Kubo
VSA Competition winner Kunitaka Ohse talks us through his career and why he continues to make bows in the historic village of Gokayama.
The Bow Maker
[ Full version (3:21) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Bach Cello suites no.1 Prelude
played by Yo Kigoshi, with a bow made by Kunitaka Ohse
The Musician
[ Full version (3:00) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Haydn string quartet op.64 no 5 "The Lark" - the 4th movement performed by Archet Quartet
(1st Vn Yoko Kubo, 2nd Vn Takako Watanabe, Va Sakura Kawaguchi, Vc Gen Yokosaka)
Violin Sonata by Tomojiro Ikenouch performed by Yoko Kubo
Bach's "Chaconne" performed by Yoko Kubo
We hear about Yoko Kubo’s relentless energy and insatiable appetite for a challenge - and how she inherited the essence of former Virtuosi.
THE BOW WORKSHOP
‘The Bow Workshop’ was created to complement the three short films above.
We are introduced to the Archet workshop in scenic Odawara - located near Mount Fuji. We see how handcraft is applied in the manufacturing process, with great commitment to quality.
The Bow Workshop
[ Full version (3:00) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major K.364 - 1st Movement.
Played by Yoko Kubo, with a bow made by ARCHET.