A romantic story of the nineteenth century
Presented by Count Alfred Hessen stein, and told by Count Hessenstein and Madame Gabrielle Hartenstein
Produced by H. L. Morrow
The Genoese violinist, Niccolo Paga nini, was one of the most astonishing figures of the nineteenth century. His brilliant fiddling, weird appearance, and romantic personality, fascinated every class of society throughout Europe.
It was actually believed by many people that he was the Devil's disciple. When he played a ' witches' dance ' in Vienna, someone in the audience said that he saw the Devil, who bore a striking resemblance to Paganini, guiding the violinist's fingers and bow. This fantastic story gained such credence that in 1828 he was obliged to publish a letter from his mother to prove that he was of human origin.