The demonic Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840)was born on October 27, 1782 in Genoa, Italy. Paganini became so famous that people genuinely circulated rumors that his virtuosity resulted from a pact with the Devil. His appearance, theatrical manner, and seemingly impossible violin technique helped create this legend because his playing seemed almost superhuman to audiences of his time. Whether a gift from Gott or Beelzebub, he was so much more than a technical wizard; as another angelic Schubert put it: 'I've heard an angel sing'. And his music is so expressive! "Now my strings growled, and then sighed; and anon they lisped, hesitated, joked and joyed, till at last they sported with merry jubilee."