Philosophy
The selection of a bow is a sensitive task for the musician and no less challenging for the collector of fine bows. True masterpieces are rare and many bows are found in only average condition due to inattentiveness of previous owners. For JANSEN FINE BOWS the following components are of equal importance: the technical playing characteristics of the bow, representation of the maker's work, and the bow's condition.
As one of the world's leading experts JANSEN FINE BOWS strives to assist its clients in finding fine bows. We look for bows which not only meet the demands of technique and conceptions of sound, but are also worthy of investment. Each bow selected by JANSEN FINE BOWS comes with a certificate of authenticity and is an excellent example of the master craftsmanship of its creator.
It would be a privilege for JANSEN FINE BOWS to assist you in your pursuit and selection of masterpieces of French, English and German bow making.
The Fine Bow
At first glance merely a tool, the bow is much more. It is the essential bond between musician and instrument.
The right hand influences acoustic color, volume, articulation and expression and a bow is the elementary requirement for fine playing. According to many great musicians, its importance is at least equal to that of the instrument.
On top of their extraordinary potential for artistic expression, the bows of François Xavier Tourte, Dominique Peccatte, Jean Pierre Marie Persoit, Jean “Grand Adam”, Etienne Pajeot and other masters possess artistic charm and charisma comparable to the finest works of visual art. In fact, one can say that the brilliance and superiority of these antique bows has never been equaled in recent times.
Expertise
For over 25 years Stephan Jansen has devoted himself to the métier of French bowmaking. As the director of Jansen Fine Bows, he has succeeded in making his enterprise the world-leading business house for fine bows. Jansen's amicable, long-term relationship and collaboration with Bernard Millant of Paris significantly influenced his expertise of French bows.
Shaped by Millant's knowledge and experience, and with the assistance of the most modern methods and approaches, Stephan Jansen is leading this tradition into the 21st century.
Curriculum Vitae
Stephan Jansen was born into a German-French family of musicians who inspired his passion for music and instruments at an early age. He began studying viola under Prof. Barbara Westphal at the University of Lübeck in Germany. After his graduation in 2001, he moved into a different métier in order to gain a variety of business experiences.
He worked as a New York Wall Street licensed stock trader at the investment firm Prudential Securities Inc. for four years, but eventually turned to his real passion, fine bows, and founded JANSEN FINE BOWS.
Jansen's enthusiasm for French bows, strongly supported by his father Hans Jansen, has brought him on several journeys to Paris as early as 1987. Since then, Jansen has stayed in contact both professionally and personally with experts such as Bernard Millant and Jean-Francois Raffin.
Due to his early traveling, intimate knowledge of bows and past study of music Jansen enjoys access to fine bow collections and maintains distinguished relationships with members of the international music scene.
It is because of this network that within a few years JANSEN FINE BOWS has developed into the world-renowned dealer of exquisite bows.
Jansen works from his current hometown of Munich as well as in Düsseldorf and London and Paris.
Clients
The Special for the Exclusive
It is a privilege for JANSEN FINE BOWS to be able to meet the requirements of international clients of the highest calibre. Our clients range from musicians of orchestras such as the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, the New York Philharmonic, L’Orchestre de Paris, Gewandhaus Leipzig, Bayerische Staatsoper, and the Hamburger Staatsoper, as well as internationally active soloists, music professors, colleges and collections around the globe.
We are delighted that the majority of new requests come through recommendations from our existing clients. We understand this as appreciation of our business, and therefore fully dedicate ourselves to our ever increasing circle of clients.
News
A comprehensive monograph on Eugène Sartory undertaken in collaboration with Isaac Salchow, New York City, is going to be published in autumn 2013.
For further information please contact us via email.
Düsseldorf
By appointment only
Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 12
40545 Düsseldorf / Germany
Telephone | +49 211 862 94 31 |
Mobile | +49 177 840 12 70 |
London
By appointment only
10 Stratford Place
London W1C 1BA / England
Mobile | +49 177 840 12 70 |
Munich
Private - by particular inquiry only
Nymphenburg
80638 München / Germany
Mobile | +49 177 840 12 70 |