Published 1820; 5 minutes

Paganini, the charismatic violinist who revolutionized violin technique, was the first virtuoso to tour Europe, dazzling audiences wherever he appeared. His innovations were legendary. He was 28 when he threw off the security of a court position and turned freelance. A legend began to circulate that Paganini was in league with the devil—and Paganini did nothing to discourage the rumor. Ticket prices doubled when he appeared. He established the cult for the virtuoso soloist. Many of the pieces he played in public were for the concert platform only; he kept their technical secrets hidden from the eyes of potential rivals. Paganini’s 24 Caprices for violin, published in 1820 as his Op. 1, were considered unplayable by anyone but himself and continue to cast a spell on performers to this day.