Paganini was borne in Genoa, Italy, in 1782. In Genoa, he took instruction from a few local musicians. He made his first public appearance, as a violinist, at the age of nine. Four years later, he toured several towns in Lombardy. It was during the year 1813, that he actively pursued the career of a virtuoso performer. Until that year, he turned to many outlets for pleasure. For instance, he preferred to enjoy himself in romantic liaisons, gambling, and, from 1805 to 1813, in the social pleasures of a post as musical director at the court of Maria Anna Elisa Bacciocchi, princess of Lucca, also the sister of Napoleon.

In 1813, Paganini left his post to tour Italy. It was during these tours that he earned far-reaching acclaim for his virtuosic violin talents. In 1828, his tours extended to include Vienna. Three years later, his tours embraced Paris and London. While in Paris, Paganini met Hungarian pianist and composer, Franz Liszt. Liszt aspired to develop the techniques of piano playing as Paganini had developed those for the violin. In 1834, he, as a violinist, went into partial retirement.

Paganini astounded his listeners withe his playing. Many of whom believed he was in touch withe supernatural powers. He could perform complex compositions withe "three strings tied behind his back"--that is, on only one string. Further, he played chords of two and three notes, creating the illusion that more than one violin was being played. As a composer, his credits include twenty-four caprices for violin solo (1801-1807), eight concertos, and many sonatas. This virtuoso's end came in 1840.