Goethe wrote that after experiencing a Paganini concert he had heard something meteoric and
was unable to understand it. It was not until late in his career that Paganini became widely
known outside his native Italy. He made his first tour in 1828 and returned to Italy for good
in 1834. But the impression he made during these years was to have a profound effect not only
on the course of violin technique but on how virtuosity in general could be incorporated into
serious composition - his influence can be felt in music from Liszt and Schumann through Brahms
to Rachmaninov (to name but a few of those who have used themes from these Caprices directly)
and beyond. The 24 Caprices were probably composed around 1805 - and probably not for public
performance. They provide a compendium of Paganini's technique including extraordinary
velocity a variety of bowing style (balzato spiccato martellato etc.) passages in thirds
sixths octaves and tenths multiple stopping (up to quadruple) double trilling left handed
pizzicato and the imitation of other instruments (flute guitar and horn). No violinist should
be without this classic Edition Peters Urtext edition of one of the most important works for
the instrument.
