From The Times; on Paganini’s debut London concert, 3rd June 1831:

‘Nothing can be more difficult than to describe Paganini’s performance on the violin, so as to make the effect of it intelligible to those who have never heard him… all the anticipations formed of him, however highly coloured, have fallen short of reality…’

The prototype virtuoso/pop star Nicolò Paganini was one of the wonders of the world, and his bursting onto the stage with debuts in Vienna, Paris and London in the early 1830s, is the stuff of a never-to-die legend. He had recently published his opus 1 – a collection of 24 ‘Caprices’ for solo violin. These had only increased the mystery as all the top violinists across Europe declared them utterly unplayable. He was said to be in league with the Devil….

Tom has devised this programme to reawaken the astonishment of those 19th century audiences with an evocation of this legend. He will play the first twelve of the hair-raising Caprices whilst Sam Freegard, actor and retired medic, will read from contemporary accounts and impressions, telling the story of Paganini’s extraordinary life and adding his own expertise on Paganini’s various and many medical tribulations.

Tom is delighted to present this tour in partnership with Carn to Cove and Villages in Action.

Portrait of Paganini at his London debut - The King’s Theatre, Haymarket, 3rd June 1831 - by Daniel Maclise