5Written by an immensely important musicologist, this rare 1860 monograph analyzes Nicolo Paganini's compositions and provides a fascinating history of the violin. Author François-Joseph Fétis was Paganini's close friend and well acquainted with many other Romantic composers and artists. Students of the history of music, music lovers, violinists, and musicologists will find this volume a rare source of firsthand observations on the legendary violin virtuoso and his circle.
The treatise begins with a survey of the violin's history that profiles famous makers, including the Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri families. The subsequent essay, "Art and Artists," provides a concise review of performances, focusing on the Italian and French schools. The biography of Paganini follows, providing rare perspectives on the artist's playing, personal habits, and social behavior -- a colorful portrait of a legendary musician as well as a valuable historical resource.