Historical facts about paganini from what he died. Paganini's posthumous journey. "A worthy son of a glorious city"

The mystical violinist, whose hands were guided by Satan himself, still excites people's hearts with his own works and makes people think about the innermost, although many years have passed since the death of the genius.

In the late autumn of 1782, a second child was born to a poor Genoese family, who was named Niccolo. The parents were very worried about the baby, since the baby was born prematurely and was painful and puny. Niccolo's father's house stood in a narrow alley called the Black Cat. Antonio Paganini (dad) in his youth worked as a loader in the port, but a little later he opened his own shop. Teresa Bocciardo (mother) ran the household.

One day Teresa dreamed of an angel who predicted a brilliant musical future for the second child. When the woman told her husband about the dream, he was incredibly happy, because he himself adored music. Antonio constantly played the mandolin, which greatly annoyed his neighbors and his wife. The man instilled a love for musical instruments in an older child, but did not have any success.

Father, believing in a prophetic dream, began to intensively study with Niccolo violin lessons. From the first lessons it becomes clear that the child is naturally gifted with the finest hearing. Therefore, the child's childhood years were spent in exhausting activities, from which he even ran away. But dad took extreme measures, closing his son in a dark barn and depriving him of a piece of bread. The child was forced to play the instrument for many hours in a row, which led to catalepsy. Doctors pronounced him dead, and grief-stricken parents began the funeral procedure.

Niccolo Paganini in childhood and youth

But at the farewell ceremony, a miracle happened - Niccolo woke up and sat in a coffin. As soon as the baby recovered, Antonio again handed him his favorite tormentor toy - the violin. Now the man stopped independent lessons with his son and invited a teacher, who became the Genoese violinist Francesca Gnecco. Paganini early began to create the first compositions of his own composition. Thus, at the age of 8, he pleased his relatives with a violin sonata.

Rumors spread around the town that a talented musician was growing up in the poor family of the shopkeeper Paganini. This news did not pass by the ears of the chief violinist of the chapel of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, who decided to personally verify the genius of the boy. After listening, Giacomo Costa offered his own services in the development of young talent. Costa taught Niccolo for six months, passing on the skills and secrets of the art to him.

Music

After classes with Giacomo, the child's life has changed beyond recognition, now his biography is full of meetings with creative people. The road to concert activity was opened for the young man. In 1794, the Polish virtuoso August Duranowski performed in Genoa, who so inspired the young violinist that he decided to give his own concert. After that, the boy became interested in the Marquis Giancarlo di Negro, who was known as a famous music lover. Upon learning that a gifted child is growing up in a poor family, the Marquis takes on the responsibility of raising and maintaining Niccolo.

Giancarlo di Negro pays for the boy's new teacher. It becomes the popular cellist Gasparo Giretti, who taught Pagagini the composer's technique and developed in him the ability to compose music without an instrument. Under this guidance, the young man composed two concertos for violin and 24 fugues for piano four hands.

In 1800, Paganini began serious work and gave 2 concerts in Parma. After that, he was invited to the court of Duke Ferdinand of Bourbon, where the young man performed confidently. At this moment, Antonio Paganini realizes that it is time to make money on his son's talent. Becoming an impresario, he organizes a tour of Northern Italy.

The talented young man gives concerts in Pisa, Florence, Bologna, Milan, Livorno. Huge halls gather in cities, people want to see the young violinist. But despite the difficult touring, the father insists on the constant playing of Niccolò, who is already creating masterpiece capriccios. These 24 caprices revolutionized the world of violin music. The hand of a genius touched the dry formulas of Locatelli, and the works began to play with fresh sparkling images and paintings. No other violinist could do this. Each miniature of 24 sounds incredible, causing the listener to laugh, tears and wild horror at the same time.

Tired of his authoritarian and cruel father, the grown-up young man decided to live independently. At that moment, he was offered the place of the first violinist in Lucca, and in order to get rid of parental care, Niccolo agrees. This moment is described in his diaries, where he shares his impressions of the feeling of intoxicating freedom and the sensation of wings behind his back. This was reflected in the concerts, which sounded ardent and passionate. Now the life of a genius has turned into a series of travel, gambling games and sexual adventures.

Niccolo Paganini returns to Genoa in 1804. After staying in his homeland for a short time, he managed to create 12 violin and guitar sonatas. After that, he again went to the Duchy of Felice Baciocchi, where he worked as an orchestra conductor and chamber pianist. In 1808 he followed the rest of the courtiers to Florence. The musician spent seven years at court, interrupting his service only for the duration of the tour. This dependence irritated the young man so much that he decided on a desperate act to get rid of the bonds of the nobility.

Niccolo Paganini was called "the devil's violinist"

Appearing at a concert in a captain's uniform and flatly refusing to change clothes, he was expelled by his sister from the palace. At that moment, the French commander was defeated by Russian troops, and the violinist's act excited the public so much that he narrowly escaped arrest. Further, the creative path continues in Milan. At the Teatro alla Scala, he was so fascinated by the witches' dance from the ballet The Wedding of Benevento that he wrote variations for an orchestral violin on this theme in one evening.

In 1821 Paganini interrupted his concert activity due to a prolonged debilitating illness. Things are so bad that the man asks his mother to come to have time to say goodbye. Mother makes efforts to save her son and transports him to Pavia. Here the violinist is treated by Shiro Borda, who makes bloodletting to the patient, rubs in mercury ointment and writes a personal diet.

But Niccolo is plagued by several diseases at once: fever, cough, tuberculosis, rheumatism and intestinal cramps. Even an eminent healer cannot cope with the disease. Even during illness, a talented musician does not abandon creativity and fingering guitar strings with weak hands, pondering compositions. Mother's prayers are not in vain, and the man is recovering, although the hysterical cough remains for years.

Having strengthened, Paganini gives 5 concerts in Pavia and composes 20 new works. In subsequent years, the man travels, speaking to Germany, Rome, Westphalia, France. Now tickets for Paganini cost a lot of money, a talented violinist makes a fortune and even buys himself the title of baron.

Personal life

Despite his unpresentable appearance, Niccolo Paganini had no shortage of mistresses. Looking at the photo, contemporaries are surprised how he did it. A yellowish face, a pointed nose, jet-black eyes and matted dark hair - this is a portrait of the great musician. As soon as the young man was 20 years old, he had a lady who took the violinist in the evenings to her own estate to relax after concerts.

Niccolo Paganini at age 20

The next muse of a man is Eliza Bonaparte Bachocchi, who brought her beloved closer to the court and in every possible way supported. The relationship was not easy, but so passionate that during this period the violinist wrote 24 caprices in one breath. The sketches reveal everything that the young man felt for the beautiful princess: pain, fear, love, hatred and delight. This work is still haunted by the audience, many of whom believe that at that moment the devil himself ruled the composer's hand.

After parting with Eliza, Niccolò returned to touring, where he met Angelina Cavanna. The girl is the daughter of a tailor and gave her last money for the opportunity to see the great virtuoso. Since the musician was enveloped in mystical rumors, Angelina decided to convince herself of the violinist's “satanism” herself and made her way backstage. The young people instantly fell in love with each other. In order not to part with her lover, the beauty went on a joint tour to Parma, without even notifying her father. After 2 months, she made her roommate happy with the news that she would soon become a mother.

The musician sends his girlfriend to Genoa to visit relatives, where her father finds her. The tailor accused Paganini of corrupting his daughter and filed a lawsuit. During the trial, Angelina gave birth, but the child died. The violinist paid financial compensation to the Cavanno family.

Three months later, the amorous violinist struck up a relationship with the singer Antonia Bianchi, who performed on the LaSkala stage. The couple lived so strangely that they repeatedly attracted the attention of others. Antonia loved Niccolo, but constantly cheated. The girl explained this by the fact that the man was often sick, and she did not have enough attention. The singer did not hide her own betrayals. The beloved, too, did not remain in debt and started intrigues with just anyone.

In 1825, the couple had a son, who was named Achilles. The violinist, dreaming of children, was incredibly happy about this fact. To create the conditions for the child and ensure his future life, the young father plunged into creativity and earning capital. While not forgetting to pay attention to the beloved Achilles. The couple separated when the child was 3 years old. Niccolo achieved sole custody of the baby.

Despite his love affairs, he is attached to only one woman - Eleanor de Luca. From youth to adulthood, a man visited his beloved, who resignedly received a prodigal friend.

Death

In the fall of 1839, Paganini came to visit Genoa, but the trip was not easy. The great virtuoso was crippled by tuberculosis, due to which the man was tormented by a debilitating cough and swelling of the legs. In the last months before his death, he did not even leave the house. In 1840, illness swallowed up Niccolo, who on his deathbed fingered the strings of his favorite violin, unable to raise the bow. In the same year, the great musician died.

According to one version, the clergy forbade the burial of the body due to the fact that the man did not confess before his death. Paganini was cremated, and Eleanor de Luca kept the ashes. From another source it follows that Niccolo was buried in Val Polchevere, and 19 years later Achilles achieved the burial of his father's remains in the Parma cemetery.

In 2013, the film The Devil's Violinist was released, based on the biography of Paganini.
He knew how to "talk" with strings.
He was fond of gambling, leaving his last money in gambling houses.
I arranged shows at concerts that some listeners fainted.

One violin replaced the orchestra.
He categorically refused to write psalms.
He belonged to the society of Freemasons.
Didn't write down his own compositions on paper
Didn't interrupt the game if the strings broke on the violin. Sometimes even one string was enough for a masterpiece performance.
He was known as a great voluptuary.

Discography

24 caprices for solo violin, Op.1, 1802-1817
Six Sonatas for Violin and Guitar, Op. 2
Six Sonatas for Violin and Guitar
15 quartets for violin, guitar, viola and cello
Concerts for violin and orchestra No. 1-6
Le streghe
Introduction with variations on the theme “God Keeps the King
Venice Carnival
Concert Allegro Moto Perpetuo
Variations on Non pi? Mesta
Variations on a theme by Di tanti Palpiti
60 variations in all scales to the Genoese folk song Barucaba
Cantabile in D major
Moto Perpetuo (Perpetual motion)
Cantabile and waltz
Sonata for grand viola

The virtuoso skill of the legendary violinist Niccolo Paganini is known to us only from the reviews of his contemporaries and the opinion of music experts. We can only trust this assessment, which is confirmed by his compositions for violin. After all, only real musical talents can perform them. This short biography of Niccolo Paganini presents the main events of his eventful life.

early years

The best violinist of all times and peoples Niccolo Paganini was born on October 27, 1782 in a small lane Black Cat in the Italian city of Genoa. He was the third child in the family. His father, Antonio Paganini (1757-1817), worked as a port loader in his youth, and then opened a small shop. During the population census during the occupation of Italy by Napoleon, he was recorded as a "mandolin holder". Mom, Teresa Bocciardo, was involved in raising children and running a household. In total, the Paganini family had six children. Niclo was born a little ahead of schedule, was a sickly and fragile child. Health problems were later aggravated by the rigor of the upbringing.

Studying the biography of Paganini, it is impossible to find information about whether he received a formal education. Letters written by him already in adulthood have numerous spelling errors. Many people think that he learned to write quite late. However, the letters testify to the presence of knowledge in literature, mythology and history that an educated person of that time had.

First musical experiences

Antonio Paganini was very fond of music, often played the mandolin, annoying his wife and neighbors. Having not achieved much success in music, he hoped that one of the children would become a famous musician. The eldest son Carlo loved music, but did not show any special abilities. Then his father took up Niccolo, who from an early age demonstrated a unique musical talent.

In the biography of Niccolò Paganini it is written that his first acquaintance with music happened at the age of five. His father began to teach him to play the mandolin, and a year later they switched to the violin - Niccolo's favorite instrument. According to the later memoirs of a celebrity, his father was very strict if he did not see proper diligence in his art. Sometimes the boy was left without food, if he did not have time to learn the next sketch in time. However, Niccolo gradually became interested in music himself, trying to extract sounds from the instrument that would amaze the audience. For this he had to come up with his own unique technique of playing the violin.

Family legends and myths

There are also two mythical stories in the biography of Paganini, a summary of which is set out below.

When Niccolò was still very young, his mother, Teresa Bocciardo, had a dream that his parents considered prophetic. In a dream, a beautiful angel appeared to her, saying that their third son was destined for the greatest musical future. My father immediately believed in this good dream. To realize his dream and prediction, he began to work hard with his son.

After the first lessons with Niccolo, he realized that he was gifted with fine hearing and amazing flexibility in the joints. The son spent almost all his time doing exhausting exercises, honing the technique of playing the violin. When a child ran away or did not have time to learn the next piece of music, he was locked in a dark shed and not fed. Once, after hours of study, he suffered from catalepsy. The visiting doctor diagnosed death. Heartbroken parents began to prepare for the funeral. But a real miracle happened - Niccolo "came to life" and showed signs of life in the coffin. This was his second birth, which is described in the biography of Paganini.

First teacher

After his recovery, his father gave Niccolo a violin, decided to complete his independent studies and gave him to study with the professional Genoese violinist Giovanni Cervetto. Nicollo himself never spoke about this, but as noted in the biography of Paganini in Wikipedia, many researchers of the great violinist mention this.

The boy began to compose music early. Already at the age of eight, he pleased his family with a performance of his own sonata for violin. Paganini's children's works have not survived. Although they required a fairly sophisticated technique, he performed them successfully. No one else was able to play his violin exercises.

Training from masters

Since 1793, Niccolò began to play constantly during services in the best churches in the city of Genoa. During this period of history in Genoa and other Italian regions, both sacred and secular music were played in cathedrals. Once his playing was heard by the local violinist and composer Francesca Gnecco, who began to help Niccolo hone his skills and fully reveal the talent of the young musician.

Gradually, the large (by the standards of that time) city was filled with rumors that a musical genius was growing in the family of the small shopkeeper Paganini. Giacomo Costa, conductor and lead violinist of the chapel of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, also learned about this. After listening, he invited Niccolo to play in the musical ensemble, which he directed. For six months he studied with Costa the secrets of the violin art. In the biography of the violinist Paganini, this was an important period of staging a unique performance technique.

First concert

Classes with Giacomo, famous and respected in the city, opened up the opportunity for the young virtuoso to communicate with creative people. Niccolo meets professional musicians who sincerely admire him. He began to think about starting a concert activity. Once Niccolo attended a concert of the famous Polish violinist August Duranowski, who performed in Genoa in 1794. After that, he firmly decided to start a solo career. With great enthusiasm, the young violinist began to prepare his concert.

In the biography of Niccolo Paganini, it is noted that his first public concert (then called the academy) took place on July 31, 1795. The maestro was only 12 years old, the performance took place at the city theater. The pro-French-minded Genoese audience especially warmly greeted the performance of the young violinist and composer's own work, Variations on a Theme of Carmagnola. The concert was a resounding success. After that, the richest patrons of the city drew attention to the young talent. The money raised for the concert was planned to be spent on a trip to Parma in order to enroll in a study with the famous teacher and composer Alessandro Rolla.

Looking for a teacher

Impressed by his musical talent, the famous music lover Marquis Giancarlo di Negro, having learned that a talented boy is growing up in a poor family, takes Niccolo under his patronage. The patron organizes a trip to Florence for the young musician accompanied by his father. Here he auditioned for the famous local violinist Salvatore Tinti and performed his work "Variations ...". According to the compiler of the first biography, N. Paganini Conestabile, he was amazed by the amazing skill of the young Genoese, his unusual technique and purity of execution.

The second concert, which was warmly received by the local audience, raised the money needed for a trip to Parma. When Paganini (father and son) came to Rolla, he did not receive anyone due to illness. In the living room, where they were led, on the table lay a violin and scores of a piece written by the owner. Niccolo, using the instrument, played the concerto written the day before from sight. Rolla, surprised by the sounds of his work, went out to the guests. Seeing the boy playing the violin, he said that he could no longer teach him anything.

Cutting skill

Alessandro Rolla sent them to consult Ferdinando Paer. Busy with operas in many Italian cities, he did not have time to study with Niccolo. He recommended it to cellist Gaspare Giretti. Thanks to the financial support of his patron, who became his true friend, Paganini continues his musical education. The new teacher teaches him to write music using only pen and paper, gives lessons in harmony and counterpoint. An interesting fact in the biography of Paganini - he first composed in his "mind" (without using any instrument) 24 four-part fugues and several violin pieces and concertos. None of these works have survived. Niccolo did not want to reveal the secrets of his skill, so he almost did not advertise his works.

The beginning of a concert career

In the biography of Paganini it is noted that his first concert tour took place in 1797. It took place in several Italian cities, including Milan and Florence. After the tour, he and his family went to his father's house in the Polchever Valley, where he practiced on his own, trying to bring the technique of his playing to perfection.

In December 1801, he got rid of his father's tutelage, receiving the position of first violin of the orchestra of the city of Lucca. In this city, Niccolò falls in love with a noble lady. Soon they leave for her estate. There he lived for three years, doing agriculture and playing the guitar, for her in a duet with violin, he wrote 12 sonatas. In the first years of his independent life, he had two passions - women and card games. Nikkola could have lost everything. Only music allowed me to improve my financial condition later.

Court musician

Returning to Lucca at the invitation of Eliza Bonaparte, with whom he had an affair, Paganini became the court musician and orchestra conductor. For his beloved, he composes and performs the play "Love Scene" for two strings - A and E. Later, with great success, he performed at court a sonata dedicated to her brother's birthday, "Napoleon", which he wrote for the G string. At the same time, Paganini wrote the "Great Violin Concerto" in E minor.

In 1808, Paganini embarked on a concert tour of Italy, striking everyone not only with his incredible playing technique, but also with his mysterious appearance, and sometimes even eccentric command. At one of the concerts, his string broke, but he continued his performance, amazing the audience. Then he worked in Florence, where Eloise moved, who received the Duchy of Tuscany from her brother. At the end of 1812, he left the disgusted court service and actually fled to Milan.

Last years

Around 1813, being impressed by the dance of the sorcerers from the ballet Benevento Nut, Paganini composed his most famous work The Witches for violin and orchestra, variations on the fourth string. He gave 11 concerts at La Scala, performing variations with overwhelming success. The audience was amazed by the impeccable and unusual performance.

In 1825, a son, Achilles, was born to Nichollo and the young singer Antonia Bianchi. The relationship was strange, they cheated on each other a lot and did not hide it. In 1828 they parted, but the son stayed with him. Niccolò gave many concerts in different European countries, demanding the payment of large royalties in order to ensure a comfortable future for his son, to whom he inherited several million francs. His work was admired not only by ordinary music lovers, but also by famous composers. These were the best years in the creative biography of Paganini. Franz Liszt briefly described his impression of Niccolo's performance. It was in just two words: "supernatural miracle."

In 1834, Niccolò decided to end his touring career and returned to his homeland, as his poor health was finally undermined by exhausting tours. The biography of Paganini records that his last concerts took place in 1836 in Nice, despite the maestro's poor health. Then he completely fell ill. He no longer had the strength to even hold the violin. Niccolo never went out. The great violinist died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, a little before his 58th birthday.

Niccol Paganini, Italian violinist and composer, was born on October 27, 1782.

Italian virtuoso violinist and composer Niccolo Paganini was born on October 27, 1782 in Genoa (Italy) in the family of a small merchant.

The young musician performed with great success in Italian cities - Florence, Pisa, Livorno, Bologna and Milan. From 1801 to 1804, Paganini lived in Tuscany. The creation of the famous solo violin capricci dates back to this period.

In 1805, at the height of his performing fame, the musician changed his concert activity to court service in Lucca as a chamber pianist and orchestra conductor, but in 1808 he returned to concerts.

In 1811 he composed the First Concerto in D major for violin and orchestra, in 1826 - the Second Concerto in B minor for violin and orchestra.

The originality of the manner of playing, the ease of using the instrument soon brought him fame throughout Italy. Paganini performed at the Teatro alla Scala several times.

From 1828 to 1834 he gave hundreds of concerts in the largest cities of Europe, which caused an enthusiastic assessment of the composers Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, Frederic Chopin, Gioacchino Rossini, the poet Heinrich Heine, writers Johann Goethe, Honore Balzac, Theodor Hoffmann. The Paganini phenomenon had a profound impact on the work of the composer Franz Liszt, who called the Italian maestro's play "a supernatural miracle."

Paganini's career was suddenly interrupted in 1834, caused by the musician's failing health and a series of public scandals that arose around his figure. He returned to his homeland in Genoa in 1837 as a seriously ill person.

In the last days of his life, Paganini suffered from bouts of severe coughing, because of which the musician could not eat and speak - he wrote his requests on sheets of paper. Paganini died in Nice on May 27, 1840. After Paganini's death, the papal curia did not give permission for his burial in Italy for a long time. Only many years later, in 1876, the musician's ashes were transported to Parma and buried there.

Paganini possessed a precious collection of violins by Antonio Stradivari, the Guarneri and Amati families, of which Giuseppe Guarneri bequeathed his most beloved and famous violin to the city of Genoa.

The name Niccolo Paganini became a symbol of the highest virtuosity in musical performance. He laid the foundations of modern violin technique, influenced the development of pianism and the art of instrumentation. Paganini was also a major composer, one of the founders of musical romanticism. His 24 capricci for solo violin and two concertos for violin and orchestra are especially popular. He also owns various pieces and variations for violin, instrumental ensembles, numerous pieces for guitar. Many violin works by the greatest violinist were processed by Franz Liszt, Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Sergei Rachmaninoff. The image of Niccolo Paganini was captured by Heinrich Heine in the story "Florentine Nights".

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

This gloomy-looking man, gambler and brawler was completely transformed by picking up a violin. Even those who thought that his fame as the best violinist in the world was overblown, had to accept when they happened to hear him play. For people who did not understand music, he arranged real performances with onomatopoeia - "buzzing", "humming" and "talking" with strings.

The future genius was born in the family of a small merchant in Genoa. His father tried unsuccessfully to teach music to his eldest son, Carlo. But when Niccolo grew up, his father abandoned his studies with Carlo, which he was undoubtedly happy about. How to raise a genius and virtuoso? You can captivate and entertain a gifted child, as Mozart's father did. Or you can lock him in the closet until he learns a particularly difficult sketch. It was in this atmosphere that Niccolo was raised. The boy had practically no childhood, all his days were spent in endless exhausting music lessons. From birth he had an amazingly delicate ear, he immersed himself in the world of sounds and tried to repeat it with the help of guitar, mandolin and violin.

Niccolo Paganini's first concert took place at the age of eleven. The concert of the child prodigy, performing his variations of famous works, shocked the audience. The boy had noble patrons. Giancarlo de Negro, a merchant and music lover, even provided him with the opportunity to continue his studies with the cellist Giretti. The teacher forced a talented student to compose melodies without an instrument, to hear music in his head.

After completing his studies, Niccolo became more and more famous. He started making good money by giving concerts all over Italy. The musician promised to reveal the secret of his skill when he finished his career, and this only fueled the interest of the public. Everything about him seemed mysterious. His appearance is deadly pale skin, sunken eyes, a protruding hook nose and incredibly long fingers, twitching movements of a skinny figure. His violin playing was from God or from the devil, but it was definitely superhumanly good. His lifestyle and addiction to gambling caused him to often run aground. And his detached, sublime state, when he stood on the stage, merging with the instrument together.

Traveling and performing, the maestro composed music. At that time (1801-1804) he lived in Tuscany and, walking along the sunny streets, composed his famous caprices for violin. For some time (1805-1808) Niccolo even became a court musician, but then he returned to concerts. His peculiar, light and relaxed manner of performance and masterly possession of the instrument soon made him the most popular violinist in Italy. For six years (1828-1834) he gave hundreds of concerts in European capitals. Paganini evoked admiration and admiration among fellow musicians. The admiring lines of Heine, Balzac and Goethe were dedicated to him.

His career was cut short quickly and tragically. Because of tuberculosis, Paganini had to return to Italy, and coughing fits prevented him from speaking. He returned to his native Genoa as a deeply sick person. Suffering terribly from severe seizures, Niccolo lived for three more years. The musician died in Nice on May 27, 1840. The papal curia did not allow him to be buried in Italy for a long time because of his lifestyle. The embalmed body lay in the room for two months, and for another year in the basement of his house. He was reburied several times, and 36 years later Niccolo Paganini found peace in Parma. After the death of Paganini, mankind inherited 24 caprices, many variations on opera and ballet themes, six concertos for violin and orchestra, sonatas, sonatas for violin and guitar, variations and vocal compositions.

By the way, not long before his death, Paganini revealed his secret of excellent violin skills. It consists in complete spiritual merging with the instrument. You have to look and feel the world through an instrument, keep memories in the neck, become strings and bow yourself. It seems that everything is simple, but not every professional musician will agree to sacrifice his life and personality to music.

"Evening Moscow" brings to your attention 7 amazing facts from the biography of the great maestro.

1. At concerts, Paganini put on a real show. This made such a strong impression on the public that some fainted in the hall. He thought over every issue and exit to the smallest detail. Everything was rehearsed: from a repertoire consisting exclusively of his own compositions to spectacular tricks like a broken string, a violin out of tune and "hello from the village" - imitating the sounds of animals. Paganini learned to imitate the guitar, flute, trumpets and horns and could replace the orchestra. The loving audience nicknamed him "The Southern Sorcerer".

"All the best and the highest in the world is associated with Christianity. The best musicians of our century write church hymns. There is not a single classical composer who would not write oratorios and masses. Requiems by Mozart, Bach's oratorios, Handel's masses testify that God does not leave Europe. and that our whole culture is built on the principles of Christian love and mercy. But then a violinist appeared who turns from this road. With all his behavior, insatiable greed, the intoxicating poison of earthly temptations, Paganini sows alarm on our planet and puts people into the power of hell. Paganini kills baby Christ ".

3. For some, Paganini was an undoubted genius, for others - a convenient victim for attacks. Mysterious "well-wishers" sent letters to his parents with descriptions of revelry and debauchery, in which their son was allegedly mired. Rumors swirled around him, one more surprising than the other. For example, only the lazy did not know that Niccolo Paganini honed his skills not with exhausting activities in childhood and adolescence, but entertained himself with music while sitting in prison. This legend turned out to be so tenacious that it even found its reflection in Stendhal's novel.

4. Newspapers often printed reports about the death of Paganini. It all started with an accidental mistake, but the journalists got a taste - after all, newspapers with a refutation sold out in double and triple circulation, and because of this, the violinist's popularity only grew. When Paganini died in Nice, the newspapers routinely printed his obituary with the postscript: "We hope that we will publish a refutation soon, as usual."

5. In 1893, the coffin with the maestro was dug up again, because people allegedly heard strange sounds coming from under the ground. In the presence of Paganini's grandson, the Czech violinist Frantisek Ondřicek, the rotten coffin was opened. Legend has it that the musician's body had decayed by that time, but his face and head were practically unharmed. Of course, after that, the most incredible rumors and gossip circulated in Italy for more than a decade. In 1896, the coffin with the remains of Paganini was dug again and reburied in another cemetery in Parma.

6. Paganini was a favorite not only of the masses, but also of titled persons. Every European monarch considered it his duty to invite him for a personal speech, and once he was called to sing a Masonic hymn in front of the Italian grand lodge. Of course, he received incredible fees for performances, but due to incontinence in gambling, he often found himself in situations where he did not have enough money for food. He had to repeatedly lay his violin and ask for help from friends. With the birth of his son, he became calmer and by his old age was able to accumulate a small fortune.

7. The maestro preferred not to write down his works on paper in order to remain the only performer (and those who could perform Paganini's melodies even with notes were negligible). Imagine the surprise of the master who heard his own variations performed by the violinist and composer Heinrich Ernst! Is it possible that the variations were chosen by ear? When Ernst came to visit Paganini, he hid the manuscript under his pillow. To the surprised musician, he said that after his performance, one should beware not only of his ears, but also of his eyes.

This gloomy-looking man, a gambler and a rowdy, was completely transformed by picking up a violin. Even those who thought that his fame as the best violinist in the world was inflated, had to accept when they happened to hear him play. For people who did not understand music, he arranged real performances with onomatopoeia - "buzzing", "humming" and "talking" with strings ...

It was in this atmosphere that Niccolo was raised. The boy practically had no childhood, all his days were spent in endless exhausting music lessons. From birth, he had an amazingly delicate ear, he immersed himself in the world of sounds and tried to repeat it with the help of guitar, mandolin and violin.

Still from the film "Niccolo Paganini" (1982).

The first concert of Niccolo Paganini took place at the age of twelve. The concert of the child prodigy, performing his variations of famous works, shocked the audience. The boy had noble patrons. Giancarlo de Negro, a merchant and music lover, even provided him with the opportunity to continue his studies with the cellist Giretti. The teacher forced a talented student to compose melodies without an instrument, to hear music in his head.

After completing his studies, Niccolò became more and more famous. He started making good money by giving concerts all over Italy. The musician promised to reveal the secret of his skill when he finished his career, and this only fueled the interest of the public.

Everything about him seemed mysterious. His appearance is deathly pale skin, sunken eyes, a protruding hook nose and incredibly long fingers, twitching movements of a skinny figure. His violin playing was from God or from the devil, but it was definitely inhumanly good.

His lifestyle and gambling addiction caused him to often run aground. And his detached, sublime state, when he stood on the stage, merging with the instrument together.

Traveling and performing, the maestro composed music. At that time (1801-1804) he lived in Tuscany and, walking along the sunlit streets, composed his famous caprices for violin. For some time (1805-1808) Niccolò even became a court musician, but then he returned to concerts.

His peculiar, light and relaxed manner of performance and masterly possession of the instrument soon made him the most popular violinist in Italy. For six years (1828-1834) he gave hundreds of concerts in European capitals. Paganini evoked admiration and admiration among fellow musicians. The admiring lines of Heine, Balzac and Goethe were dedicated to him.

His career was cut off quickly and tragically. Because of tuberculosis, Paganini had to return to Italy, and coughing fits prevented him from speaking. He returned to his native Genoa as a deeply sick person. Suffering terribly from severe seizures, Niccolo lived for three more years.

The musician died in Nice on May 27, 1840. The papal curia did not allow him to be buried in Italy for a long time because of his lifestyle. The embalmed body lay in the room for two months, and for another year in the basement of his house. He was reburied several times, and 36 years later, Niccolo Paganini found peace in Parma.

After the death of Paganini, mankind inherited 24 caprices, many variations on opera and ballet themes, six concertos for violin and orchestra, sonatas, sonatas for violin and guitar, variations and vocal compositions.

Below are amazing facts from the biography of the great maestro:

1. The composer was born into a large family (he was the third child out of six); his father first worked as a loader and later opened a shop in the port. However, the census of Genoa indicated that Antonio Paganini was a "mandolin holder" - so Napoleon himself ordered.

2. From the age of 5, his father began to teach the boy to play the mandolin, and from 6 - the violin. If you believe the researchers of the life of Paganini (Tibaldi-Chiesa in the series "The Lives of Remarkable People"), the musician later recalled: when he did not show due diligence, his father punished him - later this was reflected in the violinist's poor health.

3. The musician gave the first public concert (or, as they said, the academy) on July 31, 1795 at the Teatro Sant'Agostino in Genoa - the proceeds went to the boy (and Niccolò was only 12 that year) to go to Parma - to study with Alessandro Roll (a famous violinist and teacher).

When the Paganini family (father and son) came to Alessandro Roll, he refused to accept them, because he was ill. But next to the teacher's room lay the violin and the sheet music of the composition written only yesterday.

Then Niccolò took the instrument and immediately played the piece - the surprised teacher, hearing Paganini's performance, went out to the guests and said that he could no longer teach the boy anything - he himself can do everything.

4. At concerts, Paganini put on a real show. This made such a strong impression on the public that some fainted in the hall. He thought over every issue and exit to the smallest detail.

Everything was rehearsed: from a repertoire consisting exclusively of his own compositions to spectacular tricks like a broken string, a violin out of tune and "hello from the village" - imitating the sounds of animals.

Paganini learned to imitate the guitar, flute, trumpets and horns and could replace the orchestra. The loving audience nicknamed him "The Southern Sorcerer".

5. Paganini categorically refused to write psalms for churchmen, so good Catholics spitefully threw mud at him:

Mozart's Requiem, Bach's oratorios, Handel's masses testify to the fact that God does not leave Europe and that our entire culture is built on the principles of Christian love and mercy.

But then a violinist appeared and turned off this road. With all his behavior, insatiable greed, the intoxicating poison of earthly temptations, Paganini sows alarm on our planet and puts people into the power of hell. Paganini kills the baby Christ. "

6. Niccolo Paganini was a Freemason. He wrote a Masonic hymn and sang it in the lodge of the Grand Orient of Italy; the documents of the society also confirm his belonging to the Freemasons.

7. The first (and perhaps the strongest) love of the composer was a noble lady, whose name he always hid and with whom he lived for 3 years in her estate in Tuscany. In those years, he discovered the guitar and wrote 12 sonatas for it and the violin, and also became addicted to cards.

Eliza Bonaparte. Portrait by Marie-Guillain Benoit, 1805

Niccolo Paganini said that he had a relationship with Eliza Bonaparte, Napoleon's older sister. The musician was the captain of her personal guard and had the title of “court virtuoso”: he gave concerts and directed performances.

8. Paganini was a favorite not only of the masses, but also of titled persons. Every European monarch considered it his duty to invite him for a personal speech.

Of course, he received incredible fees, but due to incontinence in gambling, he often found himself in situations where he did not have enough money for food. He had to repeatedly lay his violin and ask for help from friends. With the birth of his son, he became calmer and was able to accumulate a fortune by old age.

The musician toured extensively in Europe and everywhere his concerts were incredibly popular. After his death in 1840, he left a fortune of several million francs.

9. The maestro preferred not to write down his works on paper in order to remain the only performer (and those who could perform Paganini's melodies even with notes were negligible). Imagine the surprise of the master who heard his own variations performed by the violinist and composer Heinrich Ernst! Is it possible that the variations were chosen by ear?

When Ernst came to visit Paganini, he hid the manuscript under his pillow. To the surprised musician, he said that after his performance, one should beware not only of his ears, but also of his eyes.

10. Paganini could perform works even if one or more strings were missing on the violin (for example, when a string broke during his concert, he continued to play without interruption). And on the occasion of the Emperor's birthday, the maestro wrote the Napoleon sonata for one string (G).

11. For some, Paganini was an undoubted genius, for others - a convenient victim for attacks. Mysterious "well-wishers" sent letters to his parents with descriptions of revelry and debauchery, in which their son was allegedly mired. Rumors swirled around him, one more surprising than the other.

For example, only the lazy did not know that Niccolo Paganini honed his skills not with exhausting activities in childhood and adolescence, but entertained himself with music while sitting in prison. This legend turned out to be so tenacious that it even found its reflection in Stendhal's novel.

12. Newspapers often printed reports about the death of Paganini. It all started with an accidental mistake, but the journalists got a taste - after all, newspapers with a refutation sold out in double and triple circulation, and because of this, the violinist's popularity only grew.

When Paganini died in Nice, the newspapers routinely printed his obituary with the postscript: "We hope that we will publish a refutation soon, as usual."

Ingres, Jean Auguste Dominique. “Violinist Niccolo Paganini”.

13. In 1893, the coffin with the maestro was dug up again, because people allegedly heard strange sounds coming from under the ground. In the presence of Paganini's grandson, the Czech violinist Frantisek Ondřicek, the rotten coffin was opened. Legend has it that the musician's body had decayed by that time, but his face and head were practically unharmed.

Of course, after that, for more than a decade, the most incredible rumors and gossip circulated in Italy. In 1896, the coffin with the remains of Paganini was dug again and reburied in another cemetery in Parma.

14. The virtuoso bequeathed his favorite Guarneri violin to his hometown, Genoa (the maestro did not want anyone to play it after his death). Later, the instrument was named "Paganini's Widow". Also in the collection of virtuoso violins were works by Stradivari and Amati.