Paganini, Violin Concerto No 1

The popular idol of the 19th century, Niccolo Paganini, made his debut in Parma at the age of fifteen. Later on, accompanied by his father, he would tour the Lombardy region offering concerts and increasing his fame with his brilliant performances and the infernal virtuosity that used to accompany each of them. Not by chance, then, before turning twenty, the distinguished violinist achieved his financial independence, a circumstance that altogether with both his youth and charisma would make him fond of the game and of course, romantic adventures.

But the costly lifestyle that his talent allowed him to lead was not an obstacle since between 1801 and 1807 he devoted himself to the composition of his first great works, which would forever revolutionize the violin technique. Combining the enjoyment of life with intense work did emerge his best known and most performed work to date, the set of 24 Capriccios for solo violin, and the two sets of six sonatas for violin and guitar. Ten years later he would compose his first violin concerto.

Niccolo Paganini (1782 - 1840)

The conquest of Europe
After leaving his post as music director at the principality of Lucca and Piombino serving Princess Elisa Bonaparte (Napoleon's sister), he set about touring Italy offering recitals with his own works. Many years went on before he decided to conquer Europe which, it seemed, was waiting for him. In 1828 he gave his first recital in Vienna to great acclaim. Three years later, performances in Paris and London kept on with stunning results. The following year, he visited England and Scotland. Upon returning from that four-year tour, Niccolo settled in Paris in 1833. He was fifty-one, and a wealthy man.

Retirement
Perhaps for this reason, soon after he decided to retire from the stage. In 1834 he simultaneously left Paris and the concert career. But two years later he returned to the City of Lights as an entrepreneur, to open a casino, the Paganini Casino, a business in which he invested a large part of his fortune with disastrous results. The entrepreneurship closed its doors just two months after its opening.

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, to which his almost cadaverous countenance and a somber image contributed valiantly. Legend has it that Niccolo's music came from the soul of beautiful-voiced women he held captive inside his violin.

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1
Composed around 1817-18, Concerto No. 1 astonished audiences and critics at its premiere for its brilliance and demanding virtuosity. It is in three movements and lasts about thirty-five minutes. The first movement, as well as the last, show the incredible technical ability that Paganini surely possessed. The second movement is brimming with elegant melodies and moments of great beauty.

00:00  Allegro maestoso

20:35  Adagio espressivo

25:42  Rondo. Allegro spiritoso

The rendition is by the young maestro Ruifeng Lin, accompanied by the Harbin Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Yusupov.