The legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini was born on October 27th in Genoa. With his groundbreaking techniques and magical stage appearance he shocked the traditional concert life. Paganini's performance marks the emancipation of virtuosity. Especially the transcendental aspect of this virtuosity fit seamlessly with the romantic ideals of Faustian possesion and unrestrained expression. His Caprices op. 1 are the bible for violin performance, just like Chopin's Etudes op. 10 & 25