A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Violino Piccolo

by Edward John Payne

VIOLINO PICCOLO (Quart-geige, Halb-geige, Dreiviertel-geige, Three-quarter-fiddle). A violin of small size, but of the ordinary parts and proportions, differing in this respect from the pochette or kit. It was usually tuned a minor third higher than the ordinary violin, its highest string having the same pitch as the highest string of the Quinton. Leopold Mozart says the Quart-geige is smaller than the ordinary violin, and is used by children. 'Some years ago,' he continues, 'Concertos were written for these little violins, called by the Italians Violino Piccolo: and as they have a much higher compass than the ordinary violin, they were frequently used in open-air serenades (Nachtstücke) with a flute, harp, and other similar instruments. Now, however [1756], the small violin can be dispensed with. Everything is played on the common violin in the higher positions.' ('Violinschule,' p. 2.) The 'Three-quarter Fiddle' is still used by children, but is always abandoned as early as possible. Whether the 'Violino piccolo' of Bach's first Cöthen Concerto was of different pitch from the ordinary violin is doubtful. The term here possibly designates a violin somewhat smaller, and strung with thinner strings, but of the ordinary pitch. [See Violoncello Piccolo.]

[ E. J. P. ]