[[Image:Paganini.jpg|left|230px]]
'''Niccolò Paganini''' (1782-1840), was an Italian violinist [[violin]]ist and [[composer]]. He was one of the most famous virtuosi in musical history.
Paganini was born in [[Genoa]], [[Italy]], on October 27, [[1782]]. His father taught him to play the mandolin at the age of five. He started with the violin aged seven and was composing his own works before the age of eight. Studying in Genoa and [[Parma]] he made his first concert tour at the age of thirteen. Like many early [[prodigy|prodigies]] he had difficulties coping with his fame and at the age of 16 was [[gambling]] and drinking [[alcohol]]. However, under the guidance of an unknown wealthy lady he was rehabilitated and also added the [[guitar]] and [[viola]] to his repertoire. At the age of 23 he became music director at the court of the Princess of [[Lucca]], sister of [[Napoleon]]. Five years later he started touring round Europe; visiting [[Vienna]], [[Germany]], [[Paris]] and [[United Kingdom|Britain]].
* Chamber: many sonatas for violin, guitar, violin and guitar (duets in all but name) guitar quartets, variations and other compositions.
* Instrumental: the amazing 24 Caprices for solo violin; and other works for solo violin and guitar.
(The theme of the 24th Caprice has been leapt upon by many composers - including Paganini himself. Major works include [[Rachmaninov]]'s "[[Rhapsody]] on a Theme of Paganini" and [[Brahms]]' two books of variations for piano. Other workers of the theme range as far afield as [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]], ([[cello]] and rock band) [[Benny Goodman]] (swing version with [[clarinet]] and there are versions for guitar, (both acoustic and electric) [[brass band]], [[symphony orchestra]] and many other instruments or combinations).)
* Vocal: Some songs and duets.
==Further Readingreading==
*J. Pulver: ''Paganini: The Romantic Virtuoso'' (1936)
*L. Day: ''Paganini of Genoa'' (1929)
[[Category: Musicians]][[Category: Composers]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paganini, Niccolo}}