Niccolo Paganini (NEE-ko-lo   pa-ga-NEE-nee)

Born October 27, 1782 in Genoa, Italy

Died May 27, 1840

Nationality: Italian

Period/Style: Early Romantic

About the composer:

Paganini was one of the most famous virtuoso violinists of his day, and is considered to be one of the greatest violinists ever. He had perfect pitch, and he used new techniques that hadn’t been used before, such as staccato and pizzicato. He became successful and famous at an early age, but didn’t know how to handle all of that success, so he began drinking and gambling. A kind woman recognized his predicament and brought him to her estate to recover. During his three years there he overcame his addictions and put all of his energy into practicing the violin and guitar.  He reappeared at the age of 23, and soon became a legend for his unparalleled mastery of the violin.

About the music:

24 solo Caprices, Op. 1 (excerpts)

These solo pieces were written around 1817. They are some of the most difficult and challenging music ever written for the violin, requiring great skill and technique. As you listen, notice how you’ll sometimes hear two notes at a time, which is called “double-stopping.”  Sometimes the notes go by so quickly that it’s hard to believe you’re hearing only one instrument!

Moto perpetuo (perpetual motion) (approx. 2 min)

This piece is exactly what the title suggests: continuous playing without any breaks.  This is hard enough to do on a stringed instrument, but can you imagine playing it on a wind instrument?  Well, many fine wind players have done it.  Some of them use a technique called “circular breathing” where they actually breath in and let air out at the same time!

Suggested activities:

Find out what “staccato” and “pizzicato” mean.  Listen for these in the music.

What do we mean when we say someone is a “legend?”  Can you think of other people who could be described as “legends?”