Paganini: Life and Legacy Trivia

Niccolò Paganini, born in 1782 in Genoa, was a prodigious musician who began playing the mandolin at age five and the violin shortly after. Mostly self-taught, he later studied in Parma and became a renowned composer and performer. Paganini's association with Stradivari violins and his interest in Romantic musical innovations marked his career. His virtuosity and mysterious persona led to rumors of a pact with the devil, enhancing his fame. Despite financial success, he died in poverty in 1840. Paganini's technical prowess and improvisational skills left a lasting impact on music, influencing contemporaries like Franz Liszt.

At what age did Niccolò Paganini start playing the mandolin?

• 5 years old

• 7 years old

• 3 years old

• 9 years old

Where did Paganini go to further his musical studies at the age of 13?

• Venice

• Rome

• Parma

• Milan

Which instrument did Paganini become passionate about during his time in Parma?

• Piano

• Flute

• Cello

• Guitar

Who is considered the best luthier of all time, associated with Paganini?

• Amati

• Guarneri

• Stradivari

• Guadagnini

Which famous composer did Paganini admire and support financially?

• Berlioz

• Beethoven

• Schubert

• Mozart

What was the rumor about Paganini's incredible violin skills?

• He was a child prodigy

• He practiced for 20 hours a day

• He had a magical violin

• He made a pact with the devil

What led to Paganini's financial downfall?

• Supporting other musicians

• High concert fees

• Excessive spending on instruments

• Gambling and bad investments

Why was Paganini denied burial in a consecrated cemetery initially?

• He was not baptized

• He had a dispute with the church

• He was a foreigner

• He was considered a heretic

What is the saying that originated from Paganini's habit of improvising during concerts?

• Paganini the great

• Paganini always wins

• Paganini's magic

• Paganini never repeats

Which pianist's virtuosity is compared to that of Paganini?

• Chopin

• Liszt

• Schumann

• Brahms