PAGANINI, MASTER OF THE STRINGS

by Opal Wheeler ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 17, 1950

Another in the series of musician biographies, this story of the greatest violinist of his time has the same dramatic warmth and contagious enthusiasm of the others. Paganini's life story is followed from his first violin lessons at six, concerts at the advanced age of eight, through early successes achieved in spite of the extreme poverty of his family. A position as director of music at the court of the Princess of Luca, performances of his own brilliant, virtuoso compositions for the violin, and extensive concert tours soon brought the name of Paganini to the cultural centers of Europe as well as to the poor people of Italy who considered Nicole one of their own. The style is rather breathless in an attempt to enliven the story of the unrelieved series of successes, and the personality of Paganini emerges as something a little more than human in his obsession with his art and feverish precocity. There is much waving of arms, falling on necks and more than half the dialogue sizzles with exclamation points. However, with all the histrionics, this is engaging reading, and the author has caught the excitement a Paganini audience might have felt as the wonderful music flowed from his violin. Illustrations by Henry S. Gillette with some music included for the young violinist to play. A worthwhile addition to a musical library.

Pub Date: July 17, 1950

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1950

Categories: NONFICTION