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'''Nicocolò Paganini''' (1782-1840), was an Italian violinist and composer.  He was one of the most famous virtuosi in musical history.  

'''Nicocolò Paganini''' (1782-1840), was an Italian violinist 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 pridigies he had difficulties coping with his fame and at the age of 16 was gambling and drinking alcohol.  However, under the guidance of a 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]]. Five years later he started touring round Europe; visiting Vienna, Germany, Paris and Britain.  

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 a 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]].  

It was performing his own works that won Paganini international renown.  He had an extraordinary range of technical mastery and played with a verve and intensity that many people believed him to be inspired by the Devil. He refused to publish much of his work during his own lifetime and some of his pieces were only discovered in the second half of the twentieth century.  Owing to ill-health caused by a life of carnal excess, he was forced to reduce his public appearances after 1834.  He died in Nice at the age of 58 in 1840.   

It was performing his own works that won Paganini international renown.  He had an extraordinary range of technical mastery and played with a verve and intensity that many people believed him to be inspired by the [[Devil]]. He refused to publish much of his work during his own lifetime and some of his scores were only discovered in the second half of the twentieth century.  Owing to ill-health caused by a life of carnal excess, he was forced to reduce his public appearances after [[1834]].  He died from throat [[cancer]] in [[Nice]] at the age of 57 in [[1840]].