Paganini: Violin Concerto No 1

The popular idol of the 19th century, Niccolo Paganini, made his debut in Parma at the age of fifteen. Then, accompanied by his father, he will tour the region of Lombardy offering concerts and seeing his fame grown with his brilliant performances and the infernal virtuosity that accompanied each of them. Thus, not by chance, before he turned twenty the distinguished violinist would have achieved his economic independence, a circumstance that together with his youth and charisma will make him a lover of bets and inclined to romantic adventures.

But the lavish lifestyle his talent allowed him to lead was no obstacle for in 1801 and 1807 to devote himself to the composition of his first great works, which will revolutionize violin technique forever. From uniting the enjoyment of life with an intense work ethic emerged his best known and performed work to date, the set of 24 Caprices for violin solo, and the two sets of six sonatas for violin and guitar. Ten years later he will compose his first violin concerto.

Niccolo Paganini (1782 - 1840)

After leaving his position as music director in the principality of Lucca and Piombino serving Princess Elisa Bonaparte (yes, sister of Napoleon) he devoted himself to touring Italy offering recitals with his own works. A good number of years would pass before he decided to conquer Europe, which apparently was waiting for him. In 1828 he gave his first recital in Vienna with great success. Three years later, presentations in Paris and London will follow with sensational results. The following year, he had to visit England and Scotland. After returning from that four-year tour, Niccolo settled in Paris in 1833. He was fifty-one years old and a rich man.

Perhaps for this reason, after a short time, he decided to retire from the stage. In 1834 he left simultaneously Paris and the concert career. Surprisingly, two years later he returned to the City of Lights as a businessman, to open a casino, the Paganini Casino, a company in which he invested much of his fortune with disastrous results. The enterprise had to close its doors just two months after it opened.

The legend
The incredible virtuosity of Paganini was attributed in his time to a pact with the devil or to hidden deals with beings from beyond the grave. His almost cadaverous countenance and a sombre picture  contributed generously to all this. The legend points out that Niccolo's music came from the souls of women with beautiful voices that were kept captives inside his violin.

Violin concerto No 1 in D major

Composed around 1817-18, concert No. 1 astonished audience and critics alike for its brilliance and demanding virtuosity. The work is in the habitual three movements, with a first movement skillfully done, showing, along with the third one, Paganini’s incredible technical ability. The second movement, by contrast, is filled with elegant melodic themes and moments of striking beauty.

The rendition is by the Russian-Israeli master Shlomo Mintz, accompanied by the Limburg Symphony Orchestra, from Maastricht, directed by Yoel Levi.

00:00  Allegro maestoso

20:35  Adagio espressivo
25:42  Rondo. Allegro spiritoso

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