Considered by most a musical genius, by some a musical god and by others, the devils minion, paganini s virtuosity, appearance and bearing had some believing his skill could only come after he had made a pact with the devil. Paganinis devils violin 30 musthave virtuoso violin classics by. The devils violinist was born on october 27, 1782, in genoa, italy. Giuseppe tartini and his violin sonata devils trill. While the 19th century saw several extraordinary violinists, the italian paganini was so beyond his peers that it was rumored by his contemporaries that he had sold his soul to the devil. Paganinis devils violin 30 musthave virtuoso violin. There are some names, the mere mention or thought of which conjure up distinct personalities. Considered by most a musical genius, by some a musical god and by others, the devils minion, paganinis virtuosity, appearance and bearing had some believing his skill could only come after.
His life and work is a classical music biography by stephen samuel stratton. Paganinis 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. Its no wonder people thought paganini was in league with the devil. Nicolo paganini is considered the greatest violin virtuoso of all timewith a matching ego to boost. While the 19th century saw several extraordinary violinists, the italian paganini was so beyond his peers that it was rumored by his contemporaries that he had sold his soul to the. Niccolo paganini, supreme violinist or devil s fiddler. He was, indeed, the most sincere expression of synthesis between genius and nonconformist. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. As paganinis popularity grew so did the rumors about him being in some sort of a deal or a pact with the devil. I dont know, but this is my belief and opinion, that has a deep place in my experience. By bernd reinhardt 14 december 20 written and directed by bernard rose. How did the story start about niccolo paganini selling his soul to the devil in exchange for mastering the violin. With david garrett, jared harris, joely richardson, christian mckay.
May 31, 1794 nicolo paganini made his public debut in genoa at the age of 11. Tartinis the devils trill for viola with piano accompaniment, as transcribed by alan arnold. His virtuoso playing set high standards, which were also demonstrated in his publications. Paganinis father was an unsuccessful trader, but he managed to supplement his income through playing music on the mandolin. The violin virtuoso paganini died at nice in 1840 after a long, severe illness. Achille ciro alessandro paganini was born on month day 1825, at birth place, to niccolo paganini and antonia paganini. Today, tartinis most famous work is the devils trill sonata, a solo violin sonata that. Achille paganini historical records and family trees. Tartini violin sonata in g minor devil s trill sonata duration. Often cited as the hardest works for solo violin, niccolo paganinis. It is the composers bestknown composition, notable for its technically difficult passages. Set mainly in 1830 as paganini played by the german musician david garrett, a wizard on the strings but a dead loss as an actor is poised to conquer london, the movie surrounds him with hammy. On may 27, 1840, italian violinist and composer niccolo paganini passed away.
This book is not meant to be a comprehensive account of monteverdis life and works. Niccolo paganini, the virtuoso violinist about to perform. Niccolo paganini 17821840 selections from 24 caprices for solo violin. His father, a mandolin player, gave him violin lessons starting at age 6 or 7 and forced him to study and practice long hours. But julia fischer regards them primarily as expressive works that are as rich in lyricism and emotional color as they are in advanced techniques, and her 2010 decca album shows her considered approach to the music. Tartini violin sonata in g minor devils trill sonata youtube. List of books and articles about niccolo paganini online. I dont believe there is such a thing as the devil that has evolved in christian theology that is malignant, powerful, and equally opposite to god.
Paganini was the first in a line of nineteenthcentury virtuoso performers who toured european concert halls. He extended the compass of the violin by his use of harmonics, perfected the use of double and triple stops, and revived the practice of scordatura, the diverse tunings of the strings. Born in genoa in 1782, paganini received his first musical instruction from his father, a devoted amateur musician. Check out paganinis devils violin 30 musthave virtuoso violin classics by various artists on amazon music. Find more prominent pieces of portrait at best visual art database. A popular idol, he inspired the romantic mystique of the virtuoso and revolutionized violin technique. Paganini made his debut as a child prodigy in 1793 at genoa, his birthplace.
These are the hardest pieces ever written for the violin classic fm. Niccolo paganini, supreme violinist or devils fiddler. At the age of five, paganini started learning the mandolin from his father, and moved. Paganinis violin concertos contain bright ideas but a poverty of symphonic development, so kreislers imaginative reworking of the first movement of the d major concerto puts the composer in a favourable light it does not outstay its welcome as is the case with the original. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app.
Niccolo paganini is probably the first great example of legendary musicians who make a pact with lucifer. Giuseppe tartini 16921770 was a violin composer and expert who instituted a violin school in padua. While schubert likened his playing to the song of an angel, most attributed paganinis talent. I first picked up this book back in 1990 when i was enthralled with applying paganinis virtuoso techniques to guitar. Why the devil plays the fiddle ozy a modern media company. Records may include photos, original documents, family history, relatives, specific dates, locations and full names. Tartini violin sonata in g minor devils trill sonata. This is one of the slower moments in paganinis sonata, surprisingly measured and mournful, with unguarded romantic emotion in spades. His life and work and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. While the devils violinist, an arresting biopic about inspiredpossessed violinist and composer niccolo paganini, ends on a sour note, its also beautiful and thoughtful. Recently my interest in paganini has returned so i naturally decided to reread this book to reacquaint myself with this unique musical personality. He partied, drove the ladies wild, and was even rumored to have dabbled in the occult. At that time i read the entire book and was much impressed with it. Giuseppe tartini 8 april 1692 26 february 1770 was an italian baroque composer and.
Tartini violin sonata in g minor devil s trill sonata. Il trillo del diavolo, is a work for solo violin with figured bass accompaniment by giuseppe tartini 16921770. Historical records and family trees related to achille paganini. Is it true that niccolo paganini made a pact with the. He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time, and left his mark as one. Niccolo paganini is best remembered for his 24 caprices for solo violin op 1, which he wrote in three groups, between 1802 and 1817. His father was a minor artisan who may also have been a simple porter at the harbor of genoa, but he was also an accomplished enough player of the mandolin to recognize that his young son had a special talent for music. The devils violinist is the kind of movie that constantly threatens to blow up, but is just too holistically engaging to ever fall apart. Niccolo paganini biography facts, childhood, family. Commissioned by the city of genoa, the work was first published in 1982 on the occasion of his bicentenary. A famous story of him is told that during a sold out concert in italy, he was playing when suddenly one of his strings broke.
His contemporaries evidently considered him the leading performer in italy. Niccolo paganini, born october 27, 1782, is still considered by many the greatest violin virtuosi to have ever lived. The most famous american story of making a deal with the devil is robert johnson. After initial study with his father, paganini studied with a local violinist, g. Check out paganinis devils violin 30 musthave virtuoso violin classics by various artists on.
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