Niccolò Paganini(1782-1840)
- Music Department
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Paganini's musical talent was recognized at an early age, and his
ambitious father drove him hard to succeed, even withholding food if
his son did not perform to his satisfaction on the violin. Escaping his
father's domineering influence in his late teens by fleeing to Lucca,
Paganini came to the attention of Princess Elisa Baciocchi, Napoléon Bonaparte's sister. He was employed as her court solo violinist for
several years before deciding to freelance around Europe. He was an
immediate sensation, and gained the attention and admiration of both
concert goers and other composers. An electrifying performer whose skill
with the violin and guitar was almost supernatural, Paganini was
rumored to have sold his soul to the Devil in return for his artistic
abilities. Plagued by ill health since childhood, he retired to France,
where he died in the spring of 1840.
