Brazilwood, or pau brasil in Portuguese, is at risk of extinction due to centuries of careless exploration. Its amber colour (amber = brasa in PT) was very sought for during colonization, for pigments and furniture. Less known are its peculiar properties for music: it's by far the best wood for bows, and right now there's a campaign to save the tree from going the way of the dodo.
The documentary A Árvore da Música shows its essential role in music and the efforts being made to save the tree.
Even metalhead stars Sepultura are concearned about the possible loss of brazilwood and performed last month in São Paulo with the Experimental Repertory Orchestra in a concert to raise awareness on the issue.
Thanks--my husband is very well aware of this! Not only does he play cello, but he repairs bows...
ReplyDelete