Violino Piccolo 1745 - 1755

This violino piccolo was made by Joseph Hill. The Hill family was a prominent dynasty of English instrument makers. As you observe this instrument, consider the historical context in which it was created. During the 17th and 18th centuries, music was becoming increasingly accessible to a wider range of social classes, although there were still distinct lines of status that determined who could participate in formal music-making. Instruments like this violino piccolo played a role in shaping cultural identity and social practices through music. These instruments were often used in chamber music settings and were central to the development of musical expression. What kind of music would you imagine playing on this violino piccolo? While instruments can be seen as tools of artistic expression, they can also reflect the social hierarchies and power structures of their time. The craftsmanship of this instrument invites us to reflect on the intersections of music, society, and individual expression.