Niccolo Paganini (apr 1, 1782 – aug 1, 1840)

Description:

The violinist Niccolo Paganini astonished audiences with his virtuoso technique performing his devilishly difficult compositions, most notably his 24 Caprices, Op. 1 for solo violin

With his gaunt and gangling appearance and his demonic temperament, Paganini almost singlehandedly forged the Romantic mystique of virtuosity as a superhuman endowment. He was Faust come to life--a role model for countless geniuses, frauds, and entertainers ever since. Paganini was teh instrumental world's first "rock star," an idolized performed who forged a fabulous career on dazzling talent, carefully cultivated image, widespread travels, and engaging rumors and scandals, usually tied to money, sex, and death.

Paganini's compositions feature marvelous technical innovations allied to a new poetic idea of virtuosity and its role in musical expression.

Added to timeline:

Date: