Part 8

I have used a word he often repeated--for he frequently insisted that his talent resulted from a secret discovered by him--and which he would reveal before his death, in a “study for the Violin,” that should only contain a small number of pages, but that should cause the utmost consternation to all violinists. He cited, in support of the infallibility of his secret, the experiment that he had made at Naples, upon a violoncellist of little talent, named Gaetano Ciandelli, who, by the revelation of the mystery, became transformed in one morning into a _virtuoso_. Apart from the study of mechanism--for which there is no substitute--no secret can exist from talent, but that which nature implants in the heart of the artist; there is, however, something astounding and mysterious in the faculty which Paganini possessed, of invariably overcoming the almost unheard-of difficulties, without ever touching the Violin except at concerts and rehearsals. Mr. Harrys, who was his secretary, and did not leave him for more than a year, never saw him take his Violin from its case. Be it, however, as it may, death has not permitted the secret, of which Paganini spoke, to be divulged.

Many notices of the life and talent of this great artist have been published, either in collections or separately; the most important are the following:--

1. “Paganini’s Leben und Treiben als Künstler und als Mensch,” (Life and Adventures of Paganini, as an Artist, and as a Man). Prague, Calve, 1830, in 8vo of 410 pages. This work, of which M. Schottky is the author, is but a compilation, without order, of correspondence, anecdotes, and German newspaper reports, as far as concerns the travels of the artist, from his first leaving Italy. An abridgment of this work, in which many doubtful facts and positive false accounts have been introduced, was published by M. L. Vinela, under the title of “Paganini’s Leben und Charakter,” (Life and Character of Paganini). Hamburg, Hoffmann and Campe, 1830, in 8vo.

2. “Paganini in seinem Reisewagen und Zimmer, in seinen redseligen Stunden, in gesellschaftlichen Zirkeln, und seinen Concerten,” (Paganini in his Post-chaise, in his Room, in his hours of Privacy, in Society, and his Concerts). Brunswick, Vieweg, 1830, in 8vo of 68 pages. A work written in simplicity and good faith, indicating sound judgment. Mr. George Harrys, or Harris, the writer of this opusculum, was an Englishman, attached to the Court of Hanover. With a view of studying Paganini as a man and an artist, and to publish this notice, he became his interpreter and secretary, and remained with him an entire year.

3. “Leben, Character und Kunst N. Paganini’s. Eine Skizze,” (Sketch of the Life, Character, and Talent of Paganini, by M. F. C. J. Schütz, Professor at Halle). Leipzig, Rein, 1830, in 8vo.

4. “Notice sur le célèbre violoniste Nicolo Paganini,” by M. J. Imbert de la Phalèque. Paris, E. Guyot, in 8vo, of 66 pages, with portrait.

5. “Paganini, his Life, his Person, and a few Words upon his Secret,” by G. L. Anders. Paris, Delaunay, 1831, in 8vo.

6. “Paganini et Bériot, ou Avis aux artistes qui se destinent à l’enseignement du Violon,” by Fr. Fayolle. Paris, Legouest, 1831, in 8vo.

7. “Vita di Nicolo Paganini di Genova, scritta ed illustrata da Giancarlo Conestabile, socio di varie Academie.” Perugia, tipografia di Vincenzo Bartelli, 1831, 1 vol. in 8vo, 317 pages. An excellent work, carefully edited, and in a good spirit of criticism, from documents chosen with discernment. The portrait of Paganini is given from M. Schottky’s, but softened and idealized.

Independently of the portraits which accompany most of the above works, many were published in Italy, in Germany, and in France. The most sought for are the following:--1st. Portrait of Paganini, lithographed by Maurin, in the 7th volume of the Revue Musicale; 2nd, one lithographed by Mauzaise, in 4to, Paris, Bénard; 3rd, Milan, Ricordi; 4th, drawn and lithographed by Begas, Berlin, Sachse, in 4to; 5th, without name of author, in 4to, Berlin, Trautwein and Co.; 6th, drawn by Hahn, Munich, Falter; 7th, lithographed by Krätzschmar, Leipzig, Breitkopf and Härtel; 8th, without name of author, Vienna, Artaria, 1828; 9th, ditto, Hamburg, Niemeyer; 10th, ditto, Leipzig, Pönicke; 11th, ditto, Mannheim, Heckel.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Paganini Appreciated as a Composer.

ANALYSIS OF HIS WORKS.

Long ere the talent of Paganini had acquired popularity beyond Italy, a collection of studies for the Violin, under his name, still unknown to French violinists, had been published, and created a deep impression; so many novelties were there accumulated, and the difficulties they presented were so problematical, and under forms so peculiar, that many professors doubted the possibility of their execution, and went so far as to look upon the publication of that work as a mystification. However, the composer, Andreozzi, who had brought to Paris the copy from which Pacini published his edition, attested that there was in Italy a man who executed those difficulties as though they were mere trifles, and who would astound the professors and pupils of the Conservatoire, if they heard him. This man was the author himself--it was Paganini.

At the same time, Blangini, on his return from Italy, also spoke of this artist with enthusiasm, and likewise attested that his art bore no affinity with the manner of playing the Violin that all great masters had propagated until his day; that all was the invention of his talent, and that he was destined to revolutionize the style of playing the Violin. Some young artists, among whom was Habeneck, attempted to solve these musical enigmas, but finally abandoned them, as they could not discover the application of these novelties to the pure music of the great composers.

The struggle between Lafont and Paganini resuscitated the confused recollection of his name, and the prodigies he effected were the subject of serious conversation. Insensibly the fact of his success became patent--the journals confirmed it, and the name of the artist gradually acquired popularity. However, fame blazoned forth his name as a violinist only--not as a composer. The twenty-four studies of the first work were only known in France, more than twenty years after it was published. It was only after he had enchanted all Paris, and had traversed France, gaining triumphs wherever he played, that the value of his compositions attracted some attention. They were then sought after. Italy and Germany were written to for copies of his concertos, his fantasias, and his airs with variations, but none of them had been published. The list of this artist’s works which appeared, comprised the following only:--

1. “Ventiquattro Capricci per Violino solo, dedicati agli artisti, Op. 1.” These studies or capriccios, in various keys, consist of arpeggi, staccati, trills in octaves, and scales in octaves, tenths, combinations of double, triple, and quadruple chords, etc.

2. “Sei Sonate per Violino e Chitarra, dedicati al Signor delle Piane.” Op. 2.

3. “Sei Sonati per Violino e Chitarra, dedicati alla Ragazza Eleonora.” Op. 3.

4. “Tre gran Quartetti a Violino, Viola, Chitarra e Violoncello, dedicati alle amatrici.” Op. 4, Idem. Op. 5, Ibid. Paganini said of this work to Mr. Harrys, that it was not his, but was formed from some of his themes badly arranged.

These are the only positive productions of Paganini published up to the present day (June, 1851); all that has appeared since must be considered as commercial trickeries, as extracts from the preceding works, or simply as fugitive recollections of some artists. Such are the following:--

“Variazioni di bravura per Violino sopra un tema originale, con accompagnamento di Chitarra o Piano.” These variations are those which form the twenty-fourth capriccio (in A minor) of the first work.

“Trois airs variés pour le Violon, pour être exécutés sur la quatrième corde seulement, avec accompagnement de Piano, par Gustave Carulli.” These are recollections arranged by the author of the accompaniment.

“Introduzione e variazioni in sol sul tema, ‘Nel cor più non mi sento’ per Violino solo.” This piece, published in the work of Guhr, upon the art of Paganini[P] is noted nearly from memory.

“Merveille de Paganini, ou duo pour le Violon seul en ut.” This is also from Guhr.

Ghys published at Paris and at Berlin the “Carnaval de Venise, tel que le jouait Paganini.” Ernst and Sivori have also given, as exact traditions of this musical pleasantry, versions differing more or less, which gave rise to discussions in the newspapers. The publication of the veritable “Carnaval de Venise” of the illustrious violinist will remove all uncertainty in this respect.

Paganini was aware that the interest which his concerts created would diminish materially, if he published the compositions he performed. He resolved therefore upon not publishing them until after he had ceased to travel, and had retired from his career of executive artist. He only carried with him the orchestral parts of those pieces he habitually played; and no one ever saw the Violin solo parts of these compositions, for he dreaded the indiscretion of all who sought to gain access to him. He seldom spoke of his works, even to his most intimate friends, consequently an indistinct notion of the nature and number of these works could alone exist. M. Conestabile, who made every effort to acquire the truth of all that concerned the person, the talent, and the success of Paganini, has published in his book the catalogue which was sent to him of all the manuscript and original works of Paganini preserved by his son.

The titles of the works are as follows:--

1. Four Concertos for the Violin, with accompaniments.

2. Four other concertos, the orchestral parts unwritten. The last was written a short time prior to his death, at Nice.

3. Variations upon a comic theme continued for the orchestra.

4. Sonata for the large Viol, with orchestral parts.

5. “God save the King,” varied for the Violin, with orchestral parts.

6. “Le Streghe,” variations on a ballet air, with orchestral parts.

7. Variations upon “Non più mesta,” theme from “Cenerentola.”

8. Grand Sentimental Sonata.

9. Sonata, with variations.

10. “La Primavera,” (Spring), Sonata, without accompaniments.

11. “Varsovie,” Sonata.

12. La ci darem la mano.

13. “Le Carnaval de Venise.”

14. “Di tanti palpiti.”

15. “Marie Louise.”

16. Romance pour le chant.

17. Cantabile for Violin and Piano.

18. Polonaise, with variations.

19. Fantaisie Vocale.

20. Sonata, for Violin Solo.

21. Nine Quartetts, for Violin, Alto, Violoncello, and Guitar.

22. Cantabile and Waltz.

23. Three Duetts, for Violin and Violoncello.

24. Other Duetts and small Pieces for Violin and Guitar.

Unfortunately many of these compositions are incomplete. The original scores, without omissions, which have been found, are the two concertos in E flat and in B minor (it is in this latter the celebrated rondo of “La Clochette” is found); the allegro of a sonata, entitled “Movimento perpetuo”; the famous variations “Le Streghe” (the Witches) with orchestral parts; the variations upon “God save the King,” with parts; variations upon “Di tanti palpiti,” with parts; variations upon “Non più mesta, accanto al fuoco,” with parts; the “Carnaval de Venise,” twenty-four variations upon a popular Venetian air; and sixty variations, in three series, with accompaniment for Piano or Guitar, upon the popular air known at Genoa under the name of “Barucaba.” The theme is very short; the variations are studies of various kind of difficulties. These were written by Paganini, at Genoa, in February, 1835, and were among his latest works; he dedicated them to his friend the advocate, M. L. G. Germi. By some singular circumstance these variations are not included in the list furnished by M. Conestabile.

It will be seen the complete works of Paganini, which have been found, are only nine in number. It is to be deplored that among these high-class productions, the magnificent concerto that the great artist wrote for Paris, and which he played at his third concert at the opera, the 25th of March 1831, should be wanting; also the grand military sonata upon the fourth string in which he displayed such marvellous ability, in a compass of three octaves with harmonic sounds; and, finally, his variations upon “Nel cor più non mi sento.”

The compositions of Paganini are redolent with merit--novelty in ideas, elegance of form, richness of harmony, and variety in the effects of instrumentation. These qualities are especially found in his concertos, which have exercised great influence on compositions of this nature that have subsequently been published. They differ in form in many points from the classic form of Viotti’s concertos. There is the merit of uniformity and increasing interest, which it were well all violinists would meditate upon. In general, without diverting attention from the solo by over-elaborated passages, the instrumentation possessed an interest which cannot be separated from the principal design. The _entrées_ are neither cold nor symmetrical--the effects new and varied.

The first concerto is in E flat, set for the orchestra, but the Violin is written in D; the four strings of the instrument are consequently tuned a semitone higher. The tutti, admirably written, is bold and flowing, and very effective. The forms remind one generally of those of the old concerto, more than of those Paganini wrote since, this being his first. I have an indistinct recollection of his having composed this one in 1811. There is little originality in the style of the tutti and the solos; but in the details, and above all, in the brilliant passages, there are certain points which render this concerto a work of the greatest interest; there is frequent employment of double notes and harmonics. The second solo presents effects on the fourth string, of which effects Paganini is the inventor. It terminates with the last passage of the first solo transposed into the original key.

The adagio (in C minor) is a dialogue between the fourth string and the other three. The conception of this dialogue appears to have absorbed all the artist’s attention, for the melody has little novelty. This is not the case with the rondo--the theme of which is peculiarly original. There is an extraordinary staccato passage, which Paganini executed in a novel manner, peculiar to himself. It is necessary to understand the method to give this passage its original character. It is in this rondo that Paganini employed, for the first time, tenths, combined in various ways, producing wonderful effects, by the unerring and marvellous certainty of his mechanism. The character of the piece is bold: the second solo, nearly all on the fourth string and in harmonics, produced an extraordinary sensation, nothing similar having been heard prior to its introduction.

The second concerto is in B minor. The commencement of the first piece is broad and impassioned; the harmony often interesting in its successions; the instrumentation intelligent and rich in effects. The tutti are weak in development, and serve only to connect together the various solo parts. The phrase of the commencement of the first solo is very grand, and largely developed, followed by a modulation in D, where much boldness is displayed in a novel passage of double notes. The melody which follows is somewhat poor--the four first bars being repeated without any change--which is a fault; but the passage which follows is particularly effective. Paganini in this has evinced much daring in the combination of difficulties, both for the bow and the left hand. He has introduced a double shake, descending in thirds--in the execution of which he was incomparable, both in brilliancy and the irreproachable perfection of his intonation.

The second tutti, which recalls the subject of the first, is rather short, but interesting; it modulates in E minor, and terminates with an unusual form of suspension. The subject of the second solo differs totally from the first; the melody is expressive and combines effects of staccato, to which Paganini imparted a character quite peculiar. The passage which follows this subject, all in double notes, is very effective: its combinations present immense difficulties, which to the great artist were but mere trifles. The second solo ends in B major, finishes with the passage of the first, transposed into this new key, and consequently rendered much more difficult.

Throughout this first piece, the double-note passages and jumping bowing are quite novel, and depart entirely from the ordinary form of the concerto. Two things are equally remarkable in the manner Paganini played them. The first was his perfect intonation of the double notes in this shoal of difficulties, particularly in the excessive rapidity in the passages; the second was the marvellous skill with which he managed the bow, however great the distances of the intervals. There was in this part alone of the artist’s talent an evident predestination, and the study of an entire life. It is impossible to give any idea of all the combinations which are met in the fingering of the chords strewn among these immensely difficult passages; they embrace occasionally such extraordinary intervals, that violinists are at a loss to discover the artifices by which the hand reaches them. Besides, in this labyrinth of unheard-of difficulties, neither a doubtful note nor uncertain intonation ever occurred.

The adagio (in D) is a cantabile of the finest character. More simple than the rest of Paganini’s compositions, it produced but little effect, finishing as it does without the exhibition of extraordinary difficulties, which the public were wont to expect from him; nevertheless, the forms of the melody are elegant, expressive, and full of charms. Good taste prevails throughout this piece. The rondo with the obbligato bell accompaniment is delightfully fanciful; the most incomprehensible feats of skill are here combined with exquisite taste. The first subject is remarkable for its elegance and novelty, both in its details and its general formation. Some charming bow effects are introduced, which Paganini executed with marvellous brilliancy and dexterity. The bow fluttered so nimbly over the strings, and the fingers moved so briskly and lightly, that the performance seemed one of easy accomplishment. The rondo of the “Clochette” obtained enthusiastic success throughout Europe.

The allegro of the sonata for Violin and orchestra, entitled “Movimento perpetuo,” is only remarkable as a study for detached bowing of exceedingly rapid movement, which continues until the last bar. This species of difficulty exacts great suppleness of arm to avoid fatigue, and a perfect _ensemble_ of the left hand and the bow. In this piece there are no less than 170 bars without a single rest. Considered as a composition, it is unimportant, but interesting as a study.

Few musical compositions ever obtained such universal fame as the “Streghe” (the Witches), either from the prodigious execution of the great violinist, or perhaps because some superstition attached to the title. The original manuscript indicates that the introduction and the variations are composed upon an original air; however, if tradition is to be depended upon, the air was taken from the ballet of “Il Noce di Benevento.” The introduction is short. The first variation, in double and triple notes, is extremely difficult. It may be regarded as a valuable study for playing in tune. In the second there is a mixture of harmonics and pizzicato which produces a very original effect. The third is a dialogue between the fourth string and the double harmonics; a novel effect which never failed to draw down the loudest acclamations of the auditory. The finale, which joins this variation, terminates with rapid passages upon the fourth string, and in harmonics of extreme difficulty.

In the variations upon “God save the King,” Paganini seems to have intended concentrating all the new effects he had discovered, and all the enormous difficulties over which he had triumphed. The subject is written in three and in four parts; the melody is played with the bow, and the other parts of the accompaniment is pizzicato. The first variation, in double notes, presents successions of thirds and tenths, which require a large hand and a great certainty of intonation. Paganini played it in a light and rapid manner, which greatly increased its difficulty. The second variation is a complication of rapid triplets, intermingled with passages of double notes and bounding staccatos. The execution of this variation requires extraordinary dexterity. In the third the subject is sustained in a slow movement, during which the accompaniment is going on in extremely rapid passages on the third and fourth strings. The fourth is peculiarly quaint; it consists in rapid passages pizzicato in the upper part, while the accompaniment is played upon the lower, with the bow staccato. The fifth, written in double notes, is an echo effect on the upper octave, the bass is by pizzicato on the lower strings. The sixth and last consists in staccato arpeggios, difficult of execution, arising from the complex positions of the left hand.

In the fantasia with variations, on “Di tanti palpiti,” the orchestra is written in B flat, the solo a semitone higher; in the second variation the fourth string is lowered to B flat. Paganini effected this change with so much address, that it was never perceived at his concerts. The piece commences by an introductory larghetto, followed by a recitative. The subject which follows is quite simple, and the first variation without very remarkable difficulties, with the exception of a very rapid descending scale in harmonics. In the second, where the fourth string is lowered to B flat, passages occur in double notes of great difficulty for the bow. The third is the most curious and difficult; it consists of arpeggios with double notes in a presto movement, and combinations of harmonics and ordinary notes in a new and quaint style.

The air with variations, on “La Cenerentola” (Non più mesta), is written in E flat for the Orchestra; the Violin is tuned a semitone higher. The first variation contains nothing remarkable; the second, a combination of bounding staccato harmonics and pizzicato, recalls similar passages found in other works of the author. The third, in a minor mood, is composed nearly of octaves. The fourth is an echo, the effects are double harmonics. It is followed by a finale in thirds and octaves, brilliantly effective, but fraught with difficulty.

The twenty variations upon the popular air “Oh, Mamma,” known as the “Carnaval de Venise,” which has been so frequently imitated, are remarkable for the distinct character given to each; all the bow and finger effects imagined by Paganini are concentrated in it. Good taste is sometimes departed from in a few of the variations, but it will not be denied that some extraordinary effects are produced in those strange freaks, to which the marvellous dexterity of the artist lent an irresistible charm.

The last work to which I have to allude is the collection of sixty variations, in the form of studies, upon the popular air “Barucaba.” Paganini purposed in each of these studies to give every style of bowing, all the difficulties of fingering, and all the combinations of harmony, upon which his school is founded. By a singular notion, nearly all these variations are written in different keys.