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The '''violino piccolo''' (also called the ''Diskantgeige'', ''Terzgeige'', ''Quartgeige'' or ''Violino alla francese'') is a small [[stringed instrument]] of the [[Baroque music|baroque]] period. Most examples are similar to a child's size [[violin]] in size, and are tuned a [[minor third]] (B{{music|b}}<sub>3</sub>–F<sub>4</sub>–C<sub>5</sub>–G<sub>5</sub>) or a [[Perfect fourth|fourth]] higher (C<sub>4</sub>–G<sub>4</sub>–D<sub>5</sub>–A<sub>5</sub>). Probably the most famous work featuring violino piccolo is the first [[Brandenburg Concerto]] of [[Johann Sebastian Bach]].
The '''violino piccolo''' (also called the ''Diskantgeige'', ''Terzgeige'', ''Quartgeige'' or ''Violino alla francese'') is a small [[stringed instrument]] of the [[Baroque music|baroque]] period. Most examples are similar to a child's size [[violin]] in size, and are tuned a [[minor third]] (B{{music|b}}<sub>3</sub>–F<sub>4</sub>–C<sub>5</sub>–G<sub>5</sub>) or a [[Perfect fourth|fourth]] higher (C<sub>4</sub>–G<sub>4</sub>–D<sub>5</sub>–A<sub>5</sub>). Probably the most famous work featuring violino piccolo is the first [[Brandenburg Concerto]] of [[Johann Sebastian Bach]].


The best-known violino piccolo is the Brothers Amati example in the National Music Museum, in [[Vermillion, South Dakota]]. By modern measurements, the body is {{1/4}} size, the neck {{1/2}} size, and the head corresponds to that of a {{3/4}} size instrument. The string length is the equivalent of a {{frac|4|4}} violin stopped a minor third from the nut, which corresponds with its normal tuning of a third higher than a {{frac|4|4}} violin. It's notated in E flat. This Amati violin also has fingerboard widths similar to that of a {{frac|4|4}} board cut a third shorter, which in view of the other measurements implies a clear conceptual relationship to the {{frac|4|4}}-sized violin.
The best-known violino piccolo is the Brothers Amati example in the National Music Museum, in [[Vermillion, South Dakota]]. By modern measurements, the body is {{1/4}} size, the neck {{1/2}} size, and the head corresponds to that of a {{3/4}} size instrument. The string length is the equivalent of a {{frac|4|4}} violin stopped a minor third from the nut, which corresponds with its normal tuning of a third higher than a {{frac|4|4}} violin. It's notated in E flat. This Amati violin also has fingerboard widths similar to that of a {{frac|4|4}} board cut a third shorter, which in view of the other measurements implies a clear conceptual relationship to the {{frac|4|4}}-sized violin.
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*http://opencommons.uconn.edu/dissertations/1404/
*http://opencommons.uconn.edu/dissertations/1404/
{{Violin family}}
{{Violin family}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Violin family instruments]]
[[Category:Violin family instruments]]

Revision as of 20:45, 4 March 2021

The violino piccolo (also called the Diskantgeige, Terzgeige, Quartgeige or Violino alla francese) is a small stringed instrument of the baroque period. Most examples are similar to a child's size violin in size, and are tuned a minor third (B3–F4–C5–G5) or a fourth higher (C4–G4–D5–A5). Probably the most famous work featuring violino piccolo is the first Brandenburg Concerto of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The best-known violino piccolo is the Brothers Amati example in the National Music Museum, in Vermillion, South Dakota. By modern measurements, the body is 14 size, the neck 12 size, and the head corresponds to that of a 34 size instrument. The string length is the equivalent of a 44 violin stopped a minor third from the nut, which corresponds with its normal tuning of a third higher than a 44 violin. It's notated in E flat. This Amati violin also has fingerboard widths similar to that of a 44 board cut a third shorter, which in view of the other measurements implies a clear conceptual relationship to the 44-sized violin.

When the construction of the violin changed as the rococo period began, it became possible to play many higher-pitched violin parts on a standard violin, and the piccolo was no longer considered necessary.

Violins of similar tuning have been built in modern times (specifically the soprano violin of the new violin family) but have not yet been accepted as standard.

See also

Sources