Audiences were so stunned by his playing that rumours spread he had sold his soul to the devil.

Niccolò Paganini was born in Genoa on October 27, 1782. He became the most celebrated violinist of his age, touring Europe and dazzling crowds with lightning runs, harmonics and techniques few had ever heard.

His 24 Caprices for solo violin are still a rite of passage for top players, and composers such as Liszt, Schumann, Brahms and Rachmaninoff wrote music inspired by him. He helped create the modern idea of the touring superstar performer.

Who is the greatest virtuoso you have ever heard live?

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