Quotes from Niccolo Paganini

At Vienna, one of the audience affirmed publicly that my performance was not surprising, for he had distinctly seen, while I was playing my variations, the devil at my elbow, directing my arm and guiding my bow. My resemblance to the devil was a proof of my origin.

When I attained my seventh year, my father, whose ear was unmusical but who was nevertheless passionately fond of music, gave me my elementary lessons on the violin; in a very few months, I was able to play all manner of compositions at sight.

Now I am a genius; before that I was a drudge.

At a grand evening service in a church, my concerto created such a furor that the worshippers rushed out to keep the crowd outside the church quiet.

I am not handsome, but when women hear me play, they come crawling to my feet.

I love the guitar for its harmony; it is my constant companion in all my travels.

In order to move others, I must be moved.

The violin is my mistress, but the guitar is my master.