Born in Genoa, Italy. One of six children. His father taught
violin and mandolin. At 6 went to professional teachers. By 13 no
teacher had anything more to teach him.
Slide 3
Wrote his first sonata in 1790. Was performing concert tours by
15. Was known to play so passionately, men would burst into tears
and women would faint. Composed 6 Violin concertos Sonatas for
Violin Sonatas for Violin and Guitar Wrote La Streghe or the
Witches Dance Hardest composition were the 24 Caprices for Violin.
For years was the only one able to play them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP9Z3BXuy1k
Slide 4
Went on a 2 year tour that covered 4 countries and over 40
cities. In 1832 visited England and Scotland on another very
successful tour. Met singer Antonia Bianchi on tour in 1825 They
had a son in July 1825 but were never married.
Slide 5
He had no bottom teeth. Dressed in black wore a long black
cloak and had long dark hair. Promoted the idea that he was
possessed by the Devil. Known to put things on his hand in a
concert to make his left hand smoke. (most likely magnesium)
Slide 6
Most likely suffered from "Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which caused
loose joints, so he had more mobile fingers. Also had "Marfan
Syndrome which caused long limbs and fingers. Because of these two
thing, he could play three octaves without moving from first
position. Performed a song "Moses Fantasy for the G string, played
completely on the G string.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLankIuhXh0
&feature=related
Slide 7
Names his only violin the Cannone Guarnerius, or the Cannon.
Had the strings on nearly the same level, opposed to modern violins
which are arched. This allowed him to play the amazing triple and
quadruple stops.
Slide 8
Developed and expanded on several techniques. Double, triple,
and quad stops. Double stop octave runs. Left hand Pizz. Ricochet
bowing Scordatura or tuning strings to pitches other than G D A
E.
