One of his era’s greatest musical stars, Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840) was considered the greatest violinist of his time but exerted musical influence far beyond the violin. With his passionate performing style and pioneering use of unorthodox playing techniques, Paganini cultivated a mystique around himself, giving rise to fans' whispers that his wizardry at his instrument had come from God or the Devil. Along with Franz Liszt, he inspired composers to write for virtuosic display to thrill audiences. He also composed a number of violin works to showcase his own skills.

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