Richmond, VA (PRWeb) December 7, 2006 -- Music has certainly changed over the years. But has it changed for the better or for the worse? According to Michael Davis, director of the BaroqueMaster line at Autolich, LLC, it has gone downhill for a long time - since the end of the 18th century. Autolich intends to turn back the clock by offering affordable Baroque-style bows, available at www.baroquemaster.com.

Most people assume that any music made before the 20th century can be considered to be 'Classical'. However, those with musical backgrounds know that there are actually several periods of music contained in the last few centuries - ranging from Renaissance to Classical. The Baroque period lies somewhere in the middle, and it is considered by many to have been the golden age. It is music that everyone has heard and loves, but many casual listeners may not have realized it.

Almost everyone has heard the music of Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. After all, Handel's Messiah is performed several times each year in almost every major city in America. However, according to Michael Davis, science director of Autolich and avid Baroque musician, only a few performances are actually done properly.

"Baroque music started to go out of style at a time where one of the main goals of music was simply to be loud," said Michael. "As you can tell, that disturbing movement continues today. Volume in terms of decibels was the least of concerns for Baroque composers - instead, those masters craved beauty, tone, and texture. Volume is to be defined in richness instead of decibels. Many musicians who occasionally perform Baroque music do not realize this."

Despite his company's focus on engineering and scientific equipment, Michael has essentially forced the company to also engage in the production of Baroque-style bows for stringed instruments. "Sure, it may not make much sense. I was never much of a businessman," he says. "But why not? Even though it is not as profitable as engineering, I hope to profit by being able to hear a decent performance for a change."

Many Baroque music afficionados are unsatisfied, if not disgusted, when the music is performed in the modern style. One of the most important changes in style is in the shape of the bow. Even the modern violin, viola, and cello bows, designed around the end of the 18th century, were created for loudness. But that change in design removed the smooth and rich effect of the earlier bows. Those with a passion for baroque music find the change in bowing technique to be ruinous.

Revival Baroque-style bows have been around for decades, but their price has been prohibitive. Lately, lower cost alternatives have entered the market, but as one would expect, they are often of low quality. "Our BaroqueMaster bows are of the highest quality. They even have a money-back guarantee," said Michael. "And, at the same time, I have ensured they are groundbreakingly affordable in order to draw musicians to real Baroque music. How is that possible? We simply don't make a large profit. Perhaps we'll make up for it in volume, perhaps not. I'm not sure how much I care. What matters is that professionals and middle schoolers alike can now afford to play a decent song."

Upon comparing recordings of Baroque music performed in the modern way to a recordings using traditional bows and techniques, a great difference is heard even by the casual listener. Instead of being plain and without character, the rich swells and throbbing pulse seems to draw one into an older and more elegant world. Perhaps this restoration has a chance after all.

About Autolich, LLC:
Autolich, LLC provides engineering and scientific consulting as well as its BaroqueMaster(TM) brand baroque-style bows to an international audience.

Contact:
Michael Davis, Chief Scientist and Director of the BaroqueMaster product line
Autolich, LLC
800-681-9718
http://www.baroquemaster.com

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