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One of the world’s rarest violins is taking centre stage in Toronto

Photo via Dahlia Katz

Most concertgoers can probably recognize the sound of a violin in seconds. But at this upcoming performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos in Toronto, audiences will hear something even more rare: a piccolo violin. It’s an instrument so uncommon that most people have never heard one live.

Tafelmusik’s Bach Brandenburgs! concert begins on Jan. 29 and will feature the piccolo violin. It’s a smaller, higher -pitched relative of the standard violin. It appears in Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1. Unlike other historical instruments that have long been retired, this one hasn’t.

One-of-a-kind violin

For Toronto, internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Podger is bringing her own piccolo violin from Europe just for this. These concerts will truly be a rare opportunity to hear it performed live.

“Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos are some of the most innovative pieces to have been written during the Baroque era,” says director and violin soloist Rachel Podger.

“Each concerto features a unique combination of solo instruments which in turn dazzle, sparkle, soar, sigh and mesmerize while their roles continuously shift between virtuosic solo displays, dialogues and being part of the ensemble. Bach’s writing is extremely virtuosic, strikingly beautiful and irresistibly joyful, and these pieces still sound fresh and modern, even today.”

According to organizers, what makes this instrument stand out is that it produces a brighter and more sparking sound that “floats about the ensemble.” It’s tuned higher than a regular violin.

This performance also marks a huge milestone for the band. This year marks 30 years since the ensemble’s Juno Award-winning Brandenburg recording.

Whether you’re a longtime classical music fan or simply curious to experience the genre, the concerts offer more than a faithful performance of a Baroque masterpiece.

Don’t miss out.