Amongst the major figures we are to meet with, the great Niccolň Paganini is definitely a must. This great violinist and composer succeeded in revolutionising instrumental techniques, by going beyond the traditional limits of music. A really unique personality, since he was able to perfectly blend the unusual virtuosity of his nature with a personal outlook on life. To better understand Paganini’s philosophy, I meet this concert artist during one of his rare visits to Genoa. I cautiously approach him, as one never really knows in what mood he is.

-A.B.: Sorry, Maestro, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
-Paganini: Not at all, but in the meantime let’s walk, please, because I have a very important appointment.

-A.B.: Fine! Are you happy with your role as a musician?
-P.: Of course I am! But I would like to do more. It is difficult for me to be satisfied with the level I have reached. I feel that constantly improving my goals is a positive fact in order to achieve increasingly important results.

-A.B.: Speaking of importance: do you view yourself as a star?
-P.: No! I don’t want people to consider me a freak. I am simply an artist who has met with and continues to meet with great success. The word “star” is much too casual and fails to explain exactly what my role within music is. There have been times when I had the feeling that reporters wanted to label me as a star, but personally I do not agree with it!

-A.B.: During your long career you have availed yourself of the assistance of a number of composers. Can you tell me who, among these, was your favourite?
-P.: Of course: Hector Berlióz, because he has always given me the feeling of being a competent musician. I remember first meeting him in Paris on 9 December 1832, during the performance of his work “Lélio”- A really breath-taking composition, displaying exceptional musicality together with a very effective and special orchestration. In this regard, I decided to personally approach Berlióz to offer him my congratulations and I remember telling him exactly: “Monsieur, vous commencez par oů les autres ont fini”- I apologise for my pronunciation, but I never perfectly learnt the correct ‘cadence’, to put it in ‘musical’ terms. What a pity that this young musician was never able to write a piece for viola to my liking, but – well, you know – I have always been hard to please!

-A.B.: People say lots of different things about you, for instance that you have sold your soul to the devil. How much truth is there in this statement?
-P.: My dear Sir, the world has always lived by myths and gossip. I personally choose to make no comments on this childish remark, because I only love my instrument and do not care for fiction. You may think as you please!

-A.B.: I have another question for you that you may take as gossip? Do you mind?
-P.: Not at all!

-A.B.: You have had many affairs, both officially and … unofficially. Books mention, in particular, a woman who almost became your wife, Antonia Bianchi. What was there about this woman that made you want to marry her?
-P.: I don’t like to talk about my private life, except with Fermi, my best friend. But I shall make an exception this time. I have had many, many women, who loved me above all because of my nature and art. But I was especially fond of Antonia Bianchi because she understood my requirements, both as a man and as an artist. Unfortunately problems of a different nature damaged our relation, which ended with a separation. However, don’t forget I never got married!

-A.B.: May I ask one last question?
-P.: No! I’m sorry, I have arrived and I cannot keep my friend Fermi waiting. You know, I don’t see much of him. Goodbye, Sir!

I part from Paganini in front of the bronze main door of an elegant house and, as I walk away, I brood on the idea that he may have sold his soul to the devil, as so many people seem to think. Suppose it was true? Great Paganini!

Translated by interpres sas