Niccolò Paganini was an Italian composer of the Classical era. He has remained as one of the foundations of contemporary violin technique and was the most well-known virtuoso violin of his time. Paganini was a revered virtuoso musician who became famous for excelling in his diverse music styles. Paganini created 24 Capricci for unaccompanied violin and two sets of six sonatas for violin and guitar from 1801 to 1807. After disappearing to Switzerland, he reappeared as a violinist in Italy. He later began giving his recitals, and about 1824, he formed his long attachment with the singer Antonia Bianchi. In 1828, Paganini experienced considerable success in Vienna, and his performances in Paris and London were equally astonishing. He became a wealthy man upon visiting England and Scotland in 1832.

Beethoven also settled in Paris and asked Hector Berlioz, a French composer, to write Harold en Italie. Paganini thought the viola solo on their repertoire was negligible, however, and he never played it. Paganini's adventurous romance and personality in his day gave rise to his dangerous reputation. It was suggested that he cooperated with the devil, and he had been imprisoned as a result. People judged him as a miser, but that depiction is at odds with much of his life. Considering Berlioz as a genius, Paganini challenged him to be successful and helped him by giving him 20,000 francs. For his violin technique to produce such musical results requires diverse aspects. He performed well and creatively. In addition to being a magnificent violinist, he was a phenomenal accordionist.