A Viola Bow by Alysio de Mattos

Alysio de Mattos, a Brazilian citizen, began his musical studies with his father, Jose Martins de Mattos, a violinist and collector of fine instruments and bows.

After completing his undergraduate studies in Brazil, he spent two years in Paris, where he earned a Diplôme d’Execution in violin performance and chamber music. From 1985 to 1995, he lived in the United States, where he obtained a master’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in Viola Performance from Florida State University (FSU), and a Doctor of Music from FSU. From 1991 to 1995, he taught at Valdosta State University, where he served as a local string quartet violist. His interest in violin and bow making began early in his life; he quickly learned how to rehair bows and adjust violins and violas for colleagues and professionals. In 2006, thanks to his strong relationships with many French bow makers, he decided to take bow making courses in Paris. Richard Salaün and Christian Barthe were his main instructors, and he learned bow making according to the traditional French school. All of his bows (including the stick, frog, and button) are made entirely by hand. Currently, Alysio de Mattos is regarded as the finest bow maker from Brazil.