Son of the violin maker Raffaele Fiorini, Giuseppe was born in Bazzano in 1861. He devoted himself to violin making from a very young age, often finding himself in open conflict with his father's will and dictates. His interest and willingness to study the classical methods of construction and to bring them back into use in the twentieth century, however, made him a historical figure of fundamental importance, and probably the single luthier of this period destined to have the greatest influence on subsequent generations.
After working independently in Bologna, he moved to Munich in 1889, entering into a partnership with the luthier Rieger, whose daughter he had married. In Germany he quickly established himself as a great dealer and recognized expert in classical instruments; he spent the period of the First World War in Zurich, successfully continuing his business. Back in Italy from 1923, he had a fundamental role as a teacher of Ansaldo Poggi and Simone Fernando Sacconi. Even more important was the acquisition of the Stradivari relics, which Fiorini had seen for the first time exhibited in Milan in 1881 and which he managed to obtain from the heirs of Cozio di Salabue in 1920. Ten years later, he donated all of these items to the city of Cremona, provided that these may serve as a basis for the opening of a violin making school in the city. Unfortunately Fiorini, dying in 1934, was unable to see his wish realized, which only happened in 1938.
His style is closely inspired by that of Antonio Stradivari, whose making techniques he had the opportunity to study in depth, for instance returning to the use of the internal mould, whence the external form that was very widespread in Bologna at the end of the nineteenth century, starting with his own father Raffaele. His instruments are extremely appreciated for the refinement of their workmanship, their refined style, varnish and tone.
