Niccolò Paganini, "Il violinista del diavolo": the master's myth between music and legend

“Paganini non ripete” ("Paganini does not repeat") and “Il violinista del diavolo” ("The devil's violinist") are the most frequently heard expressions when talking about one of the greatest musicians in History, Niccolò Paganini. His life and music are linked to various curiosities and legends, which coexist closely with the city of Genoa, where the extraordinary violinist was born and returned several times throughout his career.

The origins of the myth

Niccolò Paganini was born, indeed, in Genoa, on October 27, 1782. He started playing the violin at a young age under the guidance of his father, a keen musician, and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Although he was initially tutored by a couple of teachers he is considered self-taught, given the lack of ability of his teachers. His talent immediately showed itself astounding, so much so that he gave his first public concert when he was only 12 years old.

As precocious as his talent was also the aura of mystery that accompanied him throughout his life and gave rise to various legends about him. One such legend has it that at age 6 he was struck down by a violent bout of measles to the point that he was considered dead. A funeral was even arranged but, luckiky, someone noticed a small movement of the body, wrapped in a veil, and the service was no longer necessary. At the time this was considered a miracle but this was also used to fuel rumors about his pact with the devil.

The career of the so called "Violinista del diavolo"

Paganini became known for his exceptional technical skills on the violin, which included extraordinary agility, speed, and precision. His performances were often accompanied by tales of incredible acrobatic performances on stage, such as playing complex pieces with a single string or virtuosic improvisations. Today we also know that Paganini suffered from Marfan syndrome, which allowed him movements with his fingers that would otherwise be impossible due to an unnatural joint mobility.

Paganini è stato anche un compositore prolifico. Ha scritto numerose opere per violino solo, molte delle quali estremamente difficili da suonare e sono considerate ancora oggi una sfida per i violinisti professionisti. Tra le sue composizioni più famose si includono le “24 Capricci per Violino Solo“, opere tecnicamente impegnative che sono diventate parte integrante del repertorio violinistico.

He toured extensively in Europe, gaining enormous fame especially in Paris, which was considered the capital of European music at the time, and arousing the admiration of composers such as Franz Liszt and Hector Berlioz. His music and performances greatly influenced the romantic music of the time.

Numerous legends and tales still exist today concerning Maestro Paganini and his extraordinary talent: the most widespread story concerns his pact with the Devil in exchange for talent in music. This was also often believed by the public because of his precarious physical condition; he appeared very thin, with an angular pelvis, a prominent nose, a high forehead and cheeks that dug into his mouth.

Paganini, in fact, had grasped the importance of promoting himself and the appeal of his own image, and he himself cultivated the myth, nurturing expectations, beliefs, and mysteries around his figure. "Paganini non si ripete" itself, in addition to being an expression of professional rigor due to his habit of improvising during concerts, was above all a way of distinguishing himself and elevating his talent to the point of unrepeatability, and thus uniqueness.

Due to his poor health, which accompanied him throughout his life, the master died in Nice on May 27, 1840

Paganini and Genoa

Genoa is where Paganini was born and raised, and in which he began his musical training. The city witnessed the early stages of his career, which is also why a relationship of affection and pride developed between him and Genoa and it still continues to this day. In fact, the house where he was born is now a museum dedicated to his life and music: known as the "House of Niccolò Paganini," it houses a collection of personal items, musical instruments, manuscripts and other documents related to his career.

If Christopher Columbus was the greatest Genoese navigator, Paganini can rightly be considered the greatest Genoese land traveler, the first great "Europeanist" in the history of music. His tour took him to perform in Austria, Germany, Poland, Belgium, France, England, and Ireland. Despite his international vocation, his bond with his native city was always strong and enduring, so much so that, as per his will, he entrusted to the city his precious violin, the Guarneri del Gesù, nicknamed "Il Cannone,".