Paganini wrote his Caprices over many years, long before their 1820 publication, and they were not originally conceived as a cycle.
Interpretation
Augustin Hadelich, the performer on this album, grew up in Italy where Paganini is considered an important composer, and he views the virtuosic acrobatics in the Caprices as serving the music, not vice versa.
Cultural Impact
Paganini's music, particularly his Caprices, inspired many composers, including Franz Liszt, who modeled his virtuosic piano music closely after Paganini.
Compositional Technique
Paganini pushed the boundaries of violin technique, writing music that is extremely uncomfortable to play, possibly due to his conjectured Marfan Syndrome which allowed extraordinary hand flexibility.
Composer Biography
Nicolò Paganini, the composer of these Caprices, cultivated a mysterious public image, arriving at concerts in a black carriage and practicing secretly to guard his techniques.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Paganini's concerts were spectacles, often including singing acts and intentional string breaking to conclude with his famous 'Moses Variations' played on a single string.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Fraser Performance Studio at WGBH Boston, with thanks to WGBH and its classical music station, 99.5 WCRB Boston, for their support.
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Paganini: 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op. 1, MS 25: No. 24 in A Minor. Tema con variazioni. Quasi presto
