After his father's death, Tononi moved to the more important center of music in Italy, Venice.
In the late 17th century, Bologna was a great centre for art and especially of string playing, being Arcangelo Corelli's home town.
By the early 18th century, Venice had become a more important cultural centre (for music and lutherie and instrument making).
Carlo Tononi moved to Venice between 1713 and 1716, where he became one of the foremost makers of the new Venetian School.
He requested that the proceeds from the sale of one of his cellos be used to pay for a mass to be said for his soul.