Paganini, Nicolò. (1782–1840)
1829 Dresden Concert Broadside from his first International Tour
Rare concert broadside from the legendary violinist's first international tour, advertising a January 28, 1829 performance in Dresden at the Königliches Hoftheater. The "Kammer-Virtuoso" of His Majesty the Emperor of Austria was to perform several of his own pieces including the Second Violin Concerto (identifiable by the remark, "Rondo Allegretto, mit Begleitung eines Glöckchens" = with the accompaniment of a little bell), the Sonata Militare, and Introduction and Variations on the Cavatina ‘Di tanti palpiti’ from Rossini’s opera ‘Tancredi’. The program was punctuated by arias, duets, and trios performed by a number of singers. Mounted to backing paper. Toning and foxing to the right side, two small areas of voiding, else in fine condition. 8.25 x 14.25 inches (21 x 36 cm).In 1828, Paganini began a six-and-a-half year concert tour that took him across Europe. He traveled through Germany and to Poland, winning particular success in Berlin and Warsaw. The young Robert Schumann heard Paganini play in Frankfurt in early April 1830, an experience to be reflected in his later music. There followed tours to Paris and, in May 1831, to Great Britain, where he gave 150 concerts in England, Scotland and Ireland over the following months. His international career as a virtuoso ended in 1834, when, after an unsatisfactory tour of England, he returned again to Italy, to Parma, invited by the Archduchess Marie Luise of Austria to re-organize the court orchestra. In 1837 he became involved in an unsuccessful and short-lived business venture in Paris, the Casino Paganini, which was intended to provide facilities equally for gambling and for music. From this and the continuing financial obligations that its failure brought, and with failing health, he took final refuge in Nice, where he died in May 1840. (20084)
Classical Music Ephemera