Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Donald Macleod and biographer Andrew McGee explore the dark side of Paganini's persona, and attempt to uncover the truth behind his supposed prison sentence for heinous crimes.

Rumours that Paganini is touched by the devil never fail to whip up hysteria amongst his audiences, but also prove to be an unwelcome burden on his career. Donald Macleod explores this dark side of the violinist's persona, and also tries to uncover the truth behind his 'lost years', a supposed prison sentence for heinous crimes.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Niccolò Paganini

    24 Caprices Op.1 for violin solo

    Performer: James EHNES - Violin

    • ONYX.
    • 40-44.
  • Niccolò Paganini

    Grand sonata in A major for violin and guitar

    Performer: Gil SHAHAM - Violin Performer: Goran SOLLSCHER - Guitar

    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 437-837-2.
  • Niccolò Paganini

    Moto perpetuo in C major Op.11 vers. for violin and piano

    Performer: Andre BENOIST - Piano (Piano) Performer: Jascha HEIFETZ - Violin (Violin)

    • BIDDULPH RECORDINGS.
    • LAB-015.
    • -1.
  • Niccolò Paganini

    La Campanella, arr. Kreisler for violin & piano [from Violin concerto no.2]

    Performer: Yehudi MENUHIN - Violin

    • EMI.
    • CDC7470882.
  • Franz Liszt

    Grande fantasie sur des themes de Paganini - [Variations sur] La clochette et Le Carnaval

    Performer: Leslie HOWARD - Piano

    • Hyperion.
    • CDA67408.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 3 Jul 2012 12:00
  • Tue 3 Jul 2012 18:30

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.