Need for Speed

In furthering his image as an almost supernaturally talented virtuoso, Paganini took few, if any, steps to correct the sensational rumors about him. He knew that they were good for business. Beyond his famous Caprices, which live a double life as technical etudes and concert showpieces, Paganini composed prolifically. His works include both showpieces for his own performance and chamber music for publication. Later in his career, he took up the viola as an alternate instrument. Also, from youth onward, he also had a serious interest in the guitar, writing over a hundred works for solo guitar and guitar quartet. While he never did take up the trumpet, Paganini's "perpetual motion" etude has been transcribed for practically every instrument willing to take a stab at its lightning-quick, finger-twisting tempo