Paganini, Niccolo << `pag` uh NEE nee, `neek` koh LAW >> (1782-1840), became one of the greatest violinists of all time. He was just 9 years old when he made his concert debut in Genoa, Italy. From the age of 13, Paganini enjoyed triumphant concert tours. Paganini played quiet melodies so beautifully that his audiences often burst into tears. But he could also perform with such force and speed that a fantastic story began to circulate that he was in league with the Devil, who guided his bow.
Once Paganini won his fame, his life became a combination of artistic triumphs and extravagant living. He once pawned his violin to pay a gambling debt. A French merchant gave him one made by Giuseppe Guarnieri, so that he could play a concert. Paganini left this violin to Genoa, where it is kept in a museum.
At the age of 13, Paganini began to compose pieces for the violin. His works include 24 caprices for violin; two concertos for violin and orchestra, in D major and B minor; and Moto Perpetuo (Perpetual Motion). Paganini was born in Genoa on Oct. 27, 1782. He died on May 27, 1840.
