^Lot 765 Nicolo Paganini

Remarkable Italian violinist and composer (1782–1840) generally regarded as the greatest virtuoso in the history of the instrument. Paganini’s striking appearance and seemingly superhuman skill on the instrument led many to believe that he was in league with the devil, an image he did nothing to dispel. His fiendishly demanding (and sometimes beautiful) works for the violin, particularly the Caprices, remain a cornerstone of the repertoire. Opera pass on an off-white 4.25 x 2.5 slip. The beginning, written in another hand, reads, “King's Theatre/Admit Two Pit m/Friday 16th July 1831,” and is signed at the conclusion, “Nicolo Paganini.” In very good condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, scattered creasing and wrinkling, as well as some light toning and soiling. Accompanied by an unsigned carte-de-visite. Paganini performed a series of shows at the King's Theatre between June–July 1831. Paganini is rare in any form, particularly in music-related items.