Niccolo Paganini, born in
Genoa, Italy 27 October
1782, was a classical
violinist who set new standards for
virtuosity. Though in ill health, he could perform stretches and great feats of dexterity previously unknown to the instrument and music in general. His
etudes and
24 Caprices are still the benchmark for virtuoso playing on
string instruments.Because of his
gaunt appearance and formidable
chops, he was widely reputed to have sold his
soul to
satan in exchange for his musical skill. He paved the way for
Franz Liszt,
Robert Johnson,
Yngwie Malmsteen, and all the other
terrifying flamboyant virtuoso instrumental performers throughout
modern history.
In addition to the violin, Paganini was well-acquainted with the guitar and viola. He considered making the latter his primary instrument after obtaining a peculiarly excellent specimen, made by Stradivarius. He also owned, upon his death at Nice in 1840, eleven Stradivari violins, four Guernari, two Amati and a Stradivarius double bass.
“What a man! What a violin! What an artist! Heavens! What sufferings, what misery, what torture in those four strings!” - Franz Liszt