Paganini, Niccolò: Introduction and Theme with Variations

(after Capriccio op.1 No. 24 for violin solo)

Without a doubt, this Capriccio's theme for violin solo is one of the most popular and most impressive ones written by Paganini. Up until the 20th century, it inspired numerous composers to write their own variations. The underlying idea for this composition may have been the wish to give the theme an overall concept by adding instruments or putting it within the framework of chamber music. Obviously, most of those composers were not aware of the fact that Paganini himself had had the same idea and arranged his famous theme with variations for violin principale and string orchestra. This comparatively unknown version which so far had only been accessible as a facsimile of the manuscript is now available in a convenient edition. Though wanting to gain the well-deserved attention, it is also an invitation to compare what other composers did with the identical theme.