Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices, written between 1802 and 1817, are spectacular feats of daredevil virtuosity. With an unabashed bravura, they push the violin toward its technical limits. But Augustin Hadelich’s newest album reveals the drama, humor, and sunny Bel Canto tunefulness which is the true essence of this music. In a recent interview, Hadelich said,
When Paganini performed, men and women often wept and fainted, not necessarily because they were dazzled by his virtuosic feats, but rather by his beautiful Italian bel canto melodies. Many of his compositions are in the operatic, humorous style of Rossini. In my opinion this humor is the most essential and overlooked characteristic of Paganini’s music. And could there be a more Italian Caprice than No. 21, which to me sounds like you’re listening to a gondolier in Venice?
…My recording is intended to be an homage to Paganini the composer, not only Paganini the virtuoso – I wanted to make each Caprice, even the ones that are least known, into something special and focus on their charm, lyricism and expression rather than only the technical aspects. Paganini’s Caprices are often considered merely études used to improve technique – in Italy where I grew up he is recognized for what an important composer he was. Just look at all the composers who arranged or based their music on his works: from Schumann and Brahms to Liszt and Rachmaninoff all the way to Lutosławski!
Caprice No. 1:
Caprice No. 4:
Caprice No. 21:
Recordings
- Paganini: 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Augustin Hadelich- This recording is available at the artist’s website.
- Augustin Hadelich’s complete discography iTunes
Photograph: Rosalie O’Connor Photography
Paganini,relatively speaking,was the highest paid violinist of all time.
His London concerts netted him up to £2000 each. That’s about £200,000 in today’s money……