Sometimes called "the Devil's Violinist," Niccolò Paganini's virtuoso talent, accompanied by his extraordinary dexterity and flexibility, gave him an almost mythic reputation. Yes, Paganini was the Black Sabbath of the early 19th century.

Taught the violin by his father as a child and tutored by the best teachers, Paganini was considered a prodigy. The ferocity with which he played , coupled with his elongated fingers (Marfan syndrome apparently) and extraordinary flexibility, gave him a mysterious, almost mythical reputation. Mobbed in the street and rumored to have a deal with the devil to achieve the heights of his virtuoso performances, he ultimately became considered the greatest violinist of all time. He also perpetuated his own mythology with stunts like severing strings on the violin and playing a piece such as the 'Witches Dance' on a single string. Maybe more Robert Johnson than Black Sabbath then.

I like this album in part because it's a little bit different, and I hope you do too. You don't come across pieces written for violin and guitar all that often, and certainly not pieces as good as these. I was surprised to find out that Paganini also wrote over 100 pieces for solo guitar, although they're generally not as exhuberant as his violin works.

So, grab a couple of candlsticks to form a makeshift crucifix with, aim it at the speakers, and then relax if you can and listen to the pretty music.

p.s.
I don't have this on vinyl so I cant' verify that playing it backwards at half speed while standing on one leg and facing Genoa produces Satanic messages.