Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-05-13
RICHARD RUSH."
GEO. D. PRENTICE, Esq"
pAGANINI.


wonder of the world. will shortly be among US, and
we have made arrangements which will enable u.s.
on his arrival, to present readers with variety
of inter sting matter, biographical, personal, and
critical, respecting this truly astonishing genius
In the mean time, gratlfied in being able to
offer to readers the following results of his first
appearance In Paris. These observations are from
the pen ola cempei ent Judge; and friend who has
repeatedly heard Paganin, assures US that they are
IN no degree exaggerated, and that the descriptive
sketch of his person done to the life ED. G.. J I
When Paganni first published his 'Studii" the
work was considered as nothing better than of
those mystifcations which at times disgrace the
very name of science and art. His brethren of the
bow generally asserted that those studies were be
yond the execution of the author himself, and unfit
even to figure upon paper. But the hand of time
has gradually laid these nculpations rest; and he
has come amongst with the double wreath of Italy
and Germany encrclng his brow.
None will contend, that high reputation is not
burthen which genius and genius alone can success
fully master - Paganni has not sunk under the
weight of his splendid name for the reality has
ally surpassed both lts promise and our own con-
ceptlons. In Judging of him, there are two points to
which it is indispensable that attention should
be directed; first, his moral organization; and next
his physical and artistical endowments.
Paganin at first sight raises shudder; his frame
IS of almost hldeous leanness it is q tenement, in
which nothing but physical debility would seem to
dwell: whilst fact 1t is but the gossamer cover
ing to heaven of energy which fires, and nourisf-
es, and supports him under the severest efforts of
his talent lie Is never free from most dIstre
coughs and complication of other Infirmites either
convuse him with pain, strip him altogether of the
power of eXerton; but from he instant he grasps his
instrument, his power of come into play, and
every feeling but what has reference to the task
before him. appears suspended His hands are broad,
dry, and powerful; and to this it is owing that he
Yields a machlnlsm of play to which no other per-
former can dream Of attaining. The flexbility of
his fingers is most astonishing; even to the throw
ing back Of his thumb flat upon the back of his
left hand know not whether it arises from his
bodily organization, or from Intense application but
his left shoulder is considerably more depressed
than his right His is twisted inwards TO an
uncommon degree and affords him, consequently ex-
traordlnary aclllles In lingering and the general
handling Of his violin. Here we have series of
physical advantages, Inestimabe under right appca
ton but whether they the gift Of nature, or ac-
qulred by art / cannot pretendta determine.
When next come to survey his moral organi-
zotion, PagaDiDi exhibits one Of The most singular
phenomena which nature has ever produced The
musical feeling which pcrvades both his play and his
compositions is Of deep and melancholy character;
his daring may fairly be styled boundless; and he
possesses delcacy Of ear which perfectly UMPIRE
cedented / cannot give you a more forcibe idea Of
the extent to which he carries this last endowment
than by quoting he avOwed and consummato accu-
racy of his performance upon instrument, each
string Of which IS Don-accordant with its fellow.
This singular faculty Is, in Ill probability, the parent
Of an idle habit, which makes hin at times Indifferent
to the tuning Of his violin for he then 10 rely
wholly upon his wonderful skill in correcting every
defect Of harmony as she proceeds With his play
This is a fact which none but a close observer ,yil
detect and the less true because tie casual ono
may discred it.
The two concerts VIII oh PaganDi has given here
already, have also sgnally displayed the versatility
of his talents. His first concerto which IS sixteen
years old, showed that at that time, his gcaius wa;
far from having asPred to its present elevation The
/ concerto which he gave at bis second concert, wa,
an aggregation Of effort, which de6es all description
Yet both the che an9 the other struck cyco tho nos