Nicolo Paganini Research Paper

Nicolo Paganini was born October 27, 1782 in Genoa, Italy. He was considered by many to be the greatest violin virtuoso to have ever lived. He began studying the mandolin and violin at the age of 5 under the instruction of his father and was already composing at the age of 7. He gave his first public violin performance at 12 and by 13 he was already known through Genoa as the “wonder-child.” Paganini quickly outgrew each and every one of his teacher’s abilities. His father quickly realized Nicolo’s potential and realized that money could be made from young Nicolo’s talent. He put his son to work good and hard; so hard that it took its toll on his health. The relationship became complicated. If the boy failed to practice for long hours,
In 1829, the German music director and violinist, Carl Guhr was asked to publish an account of the differences between Paganini and all other violinists. He indentified the following principal innovations and techniques: 1) His method of tuning his instrument. In some works, Paganini raises the pitches of all 4 strings by a semi-tone. And when he plays on the G-String alone, it is tuned a minor 3rd high. This had a surprising and magical
Nicknamed “L’Arpeggio,” is a match chordal playing with ricochet bowing across all 4-strings.
Caprice #5. This caprice uses saltato bowing, which is a combination of ricochet and spiccato bowing. Usually played in Allegro-Agitato or Presto tempo.
Caprice #6. This caprice exploited the use of left-hand tremolo on the violin by quickly alternating between different notes in the chord in one of the voices. A primary melody is played in one line with a tremolo accompaniment on the other.
Caprice #17. This caprice exploits the use of fingered octaves in descending or ascending fashion in rapid pace.
Caprice #14. This caprice displays the violin’s ability to voice chords. It contains, double stops, triple stops, and quadruple