Life as a violin maker in 16th-century Venice: an exclusive look

2024-11-22T09:48:00

In the December 2024 issue we examine the history of the Linarol dynasty, one of the first violin making families in Venice. Here, Stefano Pio provides some context as to the 16th-century environment in with they worked, as well as a semantic discussion on the terms ‘viole’ and ‘lire’

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In the 16th century, approximately 170 makers of bowed and plucked instruments were recorded working throughout the Republic of Venice and its satellite city, Padua. The oldest guild ever founded in the city was that of the Marzeri, shop traders in the city; many traded in textiles but they also numbered several musical instrument makers. Its members were holding religious meetings as early as 1323. Social and economic aspects of the guild were intrinsically linked to the religious ceremonies and devotional life of the city.

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