Paganini's Daemon: A Most Enduring Legend

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Filmmaker Christopher Nupen about the film:
"Niccolo Paganini created the most elaborate and enduring legend of all instrumental soloists in the entire history of Western classical music but, as so often with legends, the excitement and the chatter obscured the true figure of both the man and the artist.
In this film, Christopher Nupen looks at the legend and the strange man who created it all with his dazzling combination of technical brilliance, supreme showmanship, Italian melody and unbridled manipulative skill - a man whose extraordinary personality unsettled even the most sophisticated and educated minds and provoked wildly contradictory opinions.
This film presents Paganini's music and combines it with extracts from Paganini's letters and quotations from both his admirers and his many detractors. While being hailed as the greatest performing musician of his time, he was denounced again and again by knowledgeable critics as a charlatan in league with the devil and an avaricious man with scant respect for those who responded, so enthusiastically, to his unforgettable gift and contributed so readily to his vast personal fortune.
Paganini exploited all of it and used the legends to make himself not only the most talked about performer of his time, but also the wealthiest by a long, long way. In time this provoked envy and resentment and, finally, a pitiable isolation.
And yet, through all of it, he served his daemon with commitment and dedication, and - despite enduring ill health - drove himself forward with an energy that astonished all who came into contact with him - as only a man with an unshakeable faith in his destiny could possibly do. Along the way, he wrote a great range of original and memorable music, changed violin playing decisively and created the age of the romantic virtuoso. By the end, however, his unbending quest for gold and for glory had robbed him slowly of almost everything else.
Paganini died in Nice on the 27th May 1840 in the company of his only son Achilles, who had become his constant companion, his aide and translator and his greatest solace in his isolation and illness. He was 57 years old.
This film is an attempt to present a true and honest picture of the man and the musician."
An Allegro Film by Christopher Nupen

[@IceOfPhoenix88]

The day time travel becomes reliable... I'm bringing all us two setters to watch him.

[@kyoka_is_life7647]

Please do

[@emmanuelhompanera3186]

Yeah let’s go

[@santiagomendesesteves3511]

I will be waiting!

[@LinCalc]

yes thank you

[@JoseGarcia-eadgbe]

🛸💺🗺🎠🌋💒💎🪄❤️‍🔥

[@RanakIbrahim]

The world is still listening to him

[@jessicalibertadguzman6930]

Paganini was the rock and roller of his era.

[@Oakleaf700]

Baroque Star.

[@l.g.brandon4294]

Never heard of Franz List?

[@vova47]

No, he was a jazz virtuoso. Rock and rollers never achieve this high level of excellence.

[@nevechris1032]

The way the caprice 24 2nd variation is played near the bridge at 3:52 is amazing. This may truly have been the way Paganini played it. Truly a malevolent and diabolical vibe to it. I've listened to countless interpretations of the piece and can find none like it.

[@Zonicality]

@@NubsWithGunsor maybe given what we know about Paganini and the descriptions of the sounds he made with the violin, the commenter just thought that’s possibly what he sounded like

[@IceOfPhoenix88]

Gidon Kremer, according to a lower comment

[@amir071]

I know I shall be scorned but I always hated the caprices :-/ Nervous, irritating, frustrating, uneasy…I love his concertos more.

[@maxjohn6012]

I think that was one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.

[@allegrofilms]

Thank you very much, we are delighted that you enjoyed this documentary! Do you already know our other films? goo.gl/62PxcO

[@that1guy910]

* pirates of the caribbean starts playing *

[@dianeaustin2414]

Gotta agree....great film.

[@MrDizzyvonclutch]

@@allegrofilms I liked it will a but also. I love my Andres Segovia DVD that had the two Christopher Nupen find on it! "In Potrait", and "los Olivos".

[@leddygee1896]

@@allegrofilms Fantastic Documentary... You never really mentioned who supplied him his Instruments. I would naturally assume it was Stradivari, but i could be wrong...

[@jetsetter8541]

My heart rejoice, the artist that plays for this documentary is absolutely amazing !!! Full spectrum of emotions and very reach sound that goes into the heart, absolutely amazing player of beautiful violin. We need virtuoso like him to experience the master Paganini. ...... Love of the sound. ...

[@herbertkronzucker8367]

The highlight here is the consummate playing by Gidon Kremer, who has always understood Paganini's music perfectly. A great tribute to the most indomitable hero in the history of the violin.

[@czarinagarcia3724]

Paganini was ahead of his time

[@Joshdude5570]

So true

[@alicer9390]

@HenryDavidT -any coincidence? Michael Jackson showed signs of having sold his soul to Satan. as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpC8d2ece7qnfdU A reason they surpassed other, mere mortals....

[@l.g.brandon4294]

Nobody is ahead of their time. Just ahead of their contemporaries.

[@gordanacoso2006]

His music says it all. He was a very passionate man, that was craving for some love. The way he cared for his son and his mother, shows he was a loving man, with big heart and a gentle soul. His mother also mentioned an Angel in the dream. He had a gift from Angels.

[@Moodymongul]

9:55 - interesting that the older reviewers were more critical of his playing then the younger people. Just like pop music of any period really :)

[@cutrugs5676]

this documentary is sensational. what a beautiful tale of giving everything to become the greatest.

[@ZxAMobile]

You can only become the greatest by giving everything, one who becomes the greatest gains everything forever.

[@izzyoss773]

Man who knows Music and Violin and beyond his technique are above all others.No fucken devils.His long time practice made him unique.That time musicians complain, but they never wore be able to play as him.He was GENIUS. Same as Hendrix,,Edie Van Helen People who know instrument and dare to do more then others are Great musicians. Respect for real Musicians.

[@ntakovacj3644]

This is a divine documentary -- one great objection -- it would cost nothing to name the artists who drew the great violinist. Without their works this video couldn't have been made! The credits are given to museums and collections from which the works were drawn. I say that isn't enough. At the very least there should be a page with thumbnails and attributions linked to this video.

[@alexcarter8807]

That would be nice. I'm sure Daumier drew him at least once, and I'd say any noted artist/illustrator of the day would have "done" him - it was a golden age of illustration then.

[@classicalvingtsunwatford3369]

At 15.43 you will see a sketch by the painter Ingres - Google his name and you will find it

[@ntakovacj3644]

@@classicalvingtsunwatford3369 I know you want to be helpful but my point is that the artists' work here is part of the beauty of the video -- they should be given credit. I am an artist and certainly recognize Ingres work among the others. Viewers shouldn't have to google. Most of them won't.

[@chislehead15]

'' If he didn't practice for long hours the boy was beaten and given no food'' *happy and lively music plays*

[@jppitman1]

I guess you could say Paganini was the first pop star, in life, in legend, and in lifestyle. On a Baltimore/DC classical station several days ago I got into my work van, turned on the radio, and playing was the most fiendishly difficult violin cadenza I had ever herd. "My gosh....who is this? Who composed it?....Who on earth is performing it?....This is unbelievable!" It was flurry of 64th notes all over the fingerboard--a preponderance of them in the stratospheric harmonics. And then I heard a quick little recognizable melodic fragment and I thought, "Ah hahhh...it`s gotta be Paganini." And that was only the first movement! Eventually the foray into absolute violinistic virtuosity came to a close and the announcer came on: it was indeed Paganini, his 4th violin concerto. That led me to this video this morning, and a remarkably well-done account of his life it is.

[@LostSoulAscension]

One can only imagine how much better paganini played these songs, being that they were an extension of his very essence... seriously unbelievable.

[@jetsetter8541]

This presentation deserve to be seen 2 nd time. It has a good selection of Paganini's instrumentals compositions & good narrative. 👍👍

[@johntaylor9320]

IMHO The most gifted musician who ever lived bar none.

[@lawcch]

congratulation to Christopher Nupen for this great documentary of Niccolo Paganini biography. It is a great way to learn this vituoso vilionist on the film.

[@alexandreasselin9052]

Franz Liszt was very troubled when he saw Paganini performed for the first time. He was impressed by what the Italian could do and this jealousy helped him to expand his own capacities on the piano. His Grandes Études de Paganini are simply stunning in their beauty and technicality.

[@prometheusrex1]

Source?

[@adolescenterevoltado9008]

@@prometheusrex1 "Niccolo Paganini arrived in Paris in March, 1831, on a tour which set all Europe aflame with wonder at the amazing brilliancy of his playing. He performed tricks with harmonics, double stopping and treble stopping, arpeggios, springing bow, together with “guitar effects,” pizzicato and arco simultaneously, and other things that astonished not only “the natives” but rival violinists, who could not understand how he did them. Liszt heard him, and like a flash the thought came to him: 'What wonderful things might be done with the piano if its technical possibilities were developed as those of the violin have been by Paganini.' He made up his mind to do this himself. Thenceforth he shunned appearing in public or in society, devoting most of his time to experimenting on the piano; and when, after three years of assiduous practice, he gave another recital, the Parisians applauded him as frantically as they had applauded Paganini. He had become the Paganini of the piano, performing feats of virtuosity which no other player could equal."

[@prometheusrex1]

@@adolescenterevoltado9008 Thanks. That gives me a quote, but not the SOURCE, which is what I requested. What's the title, author, and year of the publication you cited?

[@adolescenterevoltado9008]

It's pretty much common sense really

[@alexandreasselin9052]

@@prometheusrex1 Sorry I never saw your reply! I summarized this from a book I read last year. The writer is hungarian author Zsolt Harsányi. It's a romanticized biography of Liszt, but the facts are verified. A masterpiece!

[@jeansimon326]

Here we are, on the verge of this year's Hallowe'en. What better musical invitation than to enter into this mysterious, magical, "other world" of Paganini's great gifts and triumphs. So human the vessel - so unearthly the music. Thank you enormously for this opportunity.

[@camilatte2700]

Omg i didnt think anyone else was watching this rn XD

[@seangrexa4707]

Happy Halloween! Not sure what wormhole got me here, but I'm happy to be enjoying the ride and learning some fascinating stuff!

[@polosavage1]

I had to do a report in high school for my major which was Jazz and Orchestra, I'm a bass player and apparently they are rare at this school so they made me double major so I ended up doing my report on Paganini and it was truly eye-opening and fascinating I was never one for orchestra music until I Came Upon Paganini, I had to learn how to play a stand-up bass and learn how to Bow and the different techniques for the different bows and everything because I only had ever played an electric Bass but luckily I managed to pick it up fairly quickly it became second chair my buddy was the first chair because he had been playing classical Bass how much longer his stand-up base cost $10,000 back then because his parents really invested in his talent and now we both work as painters together LOL and have been best friends for almost 18 years and I am now 32. Even the back then people realized how amazing his talent was we could only be so lucky in this day and age to have such a talent and a drive as him

[@WhiteStone21475]

Certainly I will be watching this often just to listen deeper. Loved it.

[@ricardoelcondor]

Excellent documentary of genius, performer and composer Niccolò Paganini

[@ribhavgupta6148]

After watching this, the answer to _What would you do if you had a time machine_ has never been easier

[@nskimharris]

Go beat up his dad then?

[@DreadKyller]

Or go to all the doctors and tell them to stop giving people Mercury as a treatment...

[@ribhavgupta6148]

@@nskimharris Naaa that a*s kicking is what got us that insane music and talent.

[@nskimharris]

:(

[@ribhavgupta6148]

@@nskimharris hopefully it wasn't too much

[@Oakleaf700]

What a Character. First Rock star of the age. Rest in Peace.

[@Deltidsninja]

I freaking love the quote: "Predictably, this gave rise to the tale that he used the guitar for his sexual conquests - of which there were many."

[@cindys1819]

Well, if he 'made out well's with a 🎻, think what he would get with a 6120!.......when it comes to women, Rockabilly Rules!!!!

[@FelixWheatfield]

Looks like using the ability to play the guitar to get laid isn't a new phenomenon!

[@kelvinmorris2634]

I've used my paint brush and artist quality to do da same from time to time

[@Baroque-Handel]

Guitar is not epic...if he used a recorder, there would be statues of him in every city around the globe.

[@nskimharris]

fri*ging guitar guys.

[@brasilebrasile2450]

Uccellini, castello, vivaldi, tartini, locatelli, paganini, the greatest italian violin tradition.

[@jamesdownham6417]

Stupendous playing of that there can be no doubt ! Liszt , his contemporary certainly stretched the envelope too !

[@cromagxx]

Awesome historical of the greatest violin virtuoso of all times!!

[@PBRStreetgang]

Real. Music. Period. Thank you, Paganini is a huge role model for a part-time violinist; the technicality does not overpower the melody.

[@savromx4230]

1:10:05 song ?

[@wolfie8748]

@@savromx4230 paganini violin concerto no 6, adagio

[@Longtack55]

Wow - five periods! Must be a heavy day.

[@sgr1888]

40 hour practice

[@albertweedsteinthethuggeni7797]

Long long doesn't hold a candle to paganini

[@paolozanotto3355]

Quite telling the point of view of Zelter. It encapsulates the sick view of jealousy that Paganini may have aroused, not only on musicians, but also at the entire artistic self-esteem of entire nations at his time: his art embodied what no one else dreamed of before (and possibly after).

[@bigfishtarpon4958]

pretentious, all knowing, have a nice day.

[@Vegathlete]

People are also afraid of what they don’t understand, so they distort reality in order to process the information, so as to explain it away, in a kind of fight-or-flight response. I wish people would take a moment (the red pill) to realize the universe they live in is much more that they ever imagined. Sadly however many would opt for blissful ignorance (the blue pill).

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Cheers and Vivat for the Maestro Sr. N. Paganini !

[@chimzywali]

Incredible. 💯

[@nellynuz42069]

They need to do more documentaries like these on other composers. Gustav Mahler, Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt, etc..Overall, great documentary.

[@thombasssmith8624]

Oh how I admire this man

[@danlinder2249]

This doc is immensely well put together! I was supposed to catch a clip and I got stuck in it and watched the whole way thru. Great work!

[@bingeltube]

Very recommendable. A megastar of his time

[@Lepetitortu]

I would watch a movie with this story for sure

[@eddiepigg5333]

“The Devil’s Violinist” is what I believe one movie is called.

[@eddiepigg5333]

I loved every minute of this movie/documentary!

[@sacredkinetics.lns.8352]

` 🕊️ The devil, music, money, fame and syphilis. Excellent Documentary.

[@michaelezekiel3506]

Without question or pause he is one of the greatest violinist.

[@niccolopaganini1782]

Thanks, Appreciate it!

[@cindydufala7646]

I hope Paganini knows Jan 27, 2022 his artistry on violin is admired and astounds people. Like myself. And my daughter Marlo to want to try to play like him. Bravo ⚘

[@rebeckyc1401]

This is absolutely wonderful! Thank you for sharing. Gidon Kremer is Perfect ❤️

[@jamsheddelvadavala1972]

This documentary is just delightful! Great insights into the legend "Paganini". Superbly presented by Christopher Nupen & brilliantly performed by Gidon Kremer! Thanks for the post. Jamshed Delvadavala from Mumbai.

[@andiarrohnds5163]

Actually, it fails to cover the history of his violin, which is almost as interesting as the man himself. His violin still is played to this day.

[@savromx4230]

1:10:05 song

[@yUm666]

@@andiarrohnds5163 Indeed and he had a "pretty" nice collection of violins including 11 Stradivariuses. When talking about his favourite Guarneri del Gesu Il Cannone, it was sadly one of his violins he had to sell including most of the others (or were those disseized) because of that Casino incident. He grieved it the rest of his life and it must have affected his health as well.

[@andiarrohnds5163]

@@yUm666 interesting, can you post a source of this? i must have missed reading about that

[@yUm666]

@@andiarrohnds5163 Originally I recall reading about it from some books maybe about 20 years ago but it seems to be accurare in the Wikipedia article as well.

[@thevastexpanse2873]

It could not get more rock and roll than this.

[@luigipati3815]

Thank you for this top notch, well spoken documentary, although I can hardly agree about the moralistic conclusion at the end about his presumed 'greed'. At worst, he set a price that people were free to accept or refuse to pay, and at best, he has shown that he was in fact a very generous and noble person....certainly a lot more than the vultures who ruined him. This is not to say that he was free of shortcomings, of course....no one is. Regardless, it was a wonderful documentary, can't wait to see the one about Schubert.

[@reinortega23]

I just learned he's buried here in the city where I live, Parma, Italy...

[@Ewandobson]

I went and visited the grave in 2010. You should go.

[@rorobobo8401]

Dam they have one of my favorite cheeses and the best violinist. That’s not fair

[@Longtack55]

Ah ham, cheese and Paganini - mille grazzie dalla Nuova Zelanda!

[@righteousindignation8879]

Have you dug him up yet?

[@moomonster5942]

He's still D-composing.

[@wendelllanders8439]

Awesome documentary!!I play Paganini’s music on guitar and his works are amazing in harmony and complexity!!

[@giorgiosalmaso5903]

Musica di un genio assoluto.

[@nickeyzrocks]

I would have to say that the impressions of wonderment and awe that were experienced and expressed by Paganini's peers were perhaps somewhat similar to what I had experienced when first hearing Hendrix play Star Spangled Banner on his guitar at Woodstock. It was life changing.

[@katricejohnson6164]

Lots of mystery and drama in his violin playing, I love it!!

[@blackflag5148]

He was so good that people actually believed he sold his soul.

[@dianeaustin2414]

This show has the best narrator... perfect for documentary.😁😁😁👏👏👏💜

[@jenniferarnold-delgado3489]

"We are slow to swallow mountains ..."

[@savromx4230]

Paganini was the best violinist in the world!

[@niccolopaganini1782]

Thanks SAVROMx for your kind words!

[@blackflag5148]

@@niccolopaganini1782 You're ALIVE!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOO 🤣🤣

[@patrick6110]

Brilliant performance by Gidon Kremer. Good explanation of the fascinating talent Paganini had to pack concert halls, playing "tricks".

[@enzocypriani5055]

Thabk you so much allegrofilms for those documentaries

[@Deltidsninja]

thanks for uploading this

[@SinanAkkoyun]

Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@notcomatose6602]

Absolutely Awesome composer Panini and presentation of the history of this unique individual. I love his compositions that give the listener knowledge and appreciation for the instrument's vast abilities.

[@KennyBoyd6]

The violinist is extraordinary!

[@Panzerino02]

leon footguy Mr. Kremer was a student of the late Mr. David Oistrakh.

[@vladiinsky]

I don't think Kremer would like to be called a "violin technician"... Yes, best student of Oistrakh, and one of the best violinists today.

[@tonymirabal8832]

He digs into it, \

[@markwinstonsuits8680]

Gidon Kremer... check out him playing Beethoven's op 61 with the Alfred Schnittke candenza!

[@bigfishtarpon4958]

you think?

[@MrManueleh]

Even in death he was a traveling man.

[@HermanLabuschagne]

Beautifully made, beautifully told. A moving account of an extraordinary life. The documentary has done it justice.

[@drooyrich1279]

Very beautiful story . Thankyou

[@dale8163]

Paganini and Beethoven are the greatest. Such passion, the music Paganini composed and so sublime, yet he lived a life of debauchery.

[@user-yu8cg7lz2h]

pagganini loved beethoven

[@katricejohnson6164]

This is beautiful!! Peaceful sounds!!

[@brunoescoto9630]

He looks different from one painting to another lol

[@metteholm4833]

Most of them are caricatures.

[@ribhavgupta6148]

And that's the beauty of it, the same way no written music can be performed the same way. It's upon the artist's interpretation.

[@itsjustnopinionok]

I'm sure someone painted without his permission by artist using his fame to profit, up coming shows, news papers ect. or after his death.

[@quaver1239]

Well, he was growing older all the time, as most of us do. Perhaps some, like Donald Trump, remain children forever?

[@righteousindignation8879]

^ the tears never stop. It is, indeed, a truly glorious thing.

[@jeffbauer3425]

Most excellent! As Paganini's Legend is ! Well done.

[@plps2]

A TRULY WONDERFUL DOCUMENTARY! THANK YOU FOR POSTING IT!!

[@redcloudshaman2509]

Bravo! Excellent documentary!

[@alucard347]

I want a Lovecraftian story with Paganini as the MC, in which this grandeur comes from the old Gods speaking to him, driving him I'll and mad.

[@quester09]

yes, and a series where aspiring violinists seek out Arkham, where the wisdom of Paganini is rumored to reside. high jinks ensue.🐙

[@mzb10zar]

Great docu! thanks!!

[@superhacker35]

Amazing film I loved it. Thank you

[@crystalheart9]

Facinating documentary, thank you!

[@jaymccorquodale1583]

Great documentary. Great Great Musician.

[@AmaranathRanatunga]

Fantastic video and invaluable information. Thank you.

[@davidmdyer838]

Kremer is an amazing, incredible violinist. Yet Paganini was known to have been a gentle player, this would not have been his style. But I am a Kremer lover for life.

[@MrYngwie88]

loved this!!!!

[@maralkilidjian3224]

Chenorhagal em, merci

[@Vegathlete]

Finally a documentary that does honor to this giant of the music world. A superbly narrated, in depth, and genuinely entertaining portrait of the legend. Molto bene! Bravissimo! Works of genius bravura and captivating melody, played with unearthly bravado. Oh, if we could travel back to that time in London, June 3, 1831: "He is the greatest musical wonder, without question, of this or any previous age.”[48:35] That may be said even today, for what violinist since boasts a lifelong career as both prolific composer and performer of this magnitude, impressive in both disciplines to an unprecedented degree.

[@pianosenzanima1]

We have the videos of the "reincarnation of Liszt" , aka Gyorgy Cziffra, which are the supreme and ultimate proof or transcendental virtuosity on an instrument (this time the piano)

[@Artoliva]

Many violinist can play his entire works Heifetz for one

[@qigongandthemartialarts3273]

Great work

[@sebasmusician736]

Narrator: "Paganini used to break the strings on purpose during performance to show his impressive skills" Kremer's violin: (chuckling in ricochet) "I'm in danger"

[@Artoliva]

And continue playing the concert on the remaining strings

[@frankcasatelli4078]

Incredible!

[@dianamcdougall9251]

Good documentary. I don't really like many violin concertos much overall but I love all of his. His musical style is stunning to me. Love his 24 caprices for solo violin and his music for violin and guitar too.

[@PanzerMafia]

Grateful for his extraordinary mind and life and amazing talent.

[@Ronald-qf3hc]

A great genius God bless his memory

[@Ritchie2324]

Bravo 👏. This was a wonderful thing to watch and hear. I'm now off to learn some caprices. X

[@shonathomson5692]

Pagalingling 🎻🎻🎻

[@mantrasharma303]

Go inside a hole and never come back, society doesn’t need you.

[@pianosenzanima1]

@@mantrasharma303 lol tf dude

[@richardbrucegraham1642]

Play do you?

[@celinecanavan1726]

I get the Ling Ling reference! hahaha

[@seankenny7799]

Bravo.

[@strangenocturnalofficial]

Very inspired!

[@MrGili4]

WOW!

[@claudiogarcia8860]

Este video toca los sentimientos y más aún mi entendimiento. ...

[@hedylamarr1688]

Wow ..im moved to tears ...I tossed the notion of Paganni around when I was a youth .....I now understand the Fantastic mythical human that was ..he

[@hedylamarr1688]

@si james Wow ..Humm Yes I look back on that .I call ..creative phrasing ..I use it when Im DrunK.! lol

[@mozartfan1629]

The best self publicist

[@aqueous3051]

When they played Carnival Venice at 33 minutes a used one of the variations from Wieniawski

[@Akori-Von-Ra]

Wow...excellent documentary!!!! Now I have to go back and re-watch Red Violin with Samuel Jackson 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@racine09]

Quite informative

[@sterlthepearl1000]

Cool edutainment documentary about this Man of Mystery.

[@jimenaaraya7153]

Si cuando pequeño le hacían prácticar durante largas horas y lo castigaban si no lo hacía bien o como ellos esperaban... es entendíble que quisiera innovar.