Episode 2
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.
Last on
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 201212:00BBC Radio 3
- Tue 3 Jul 201218:30BBC Radio 3
Beethoven Unleashed – the box set
The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.
What was really wrong with Beethoven?
Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems
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
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.
