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‘Paganini came up to me gesticulating violently’ - From the archive: November 1905

2025-11-07T10:16:00

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Author Stephen S. Stratton recounts how a generous gift from Nicolò Paganini revitalised the ailing career of Hector Berlioz

PAGANINI was in Paris in 1838, and was present at the “horrible performance” of Berlioz’ “Benvenuto Cellini.” Sad at heart, Paganini said: “If I were manager of the Opera, I would at once engage that young man to write me three such operas: I would pay him in advance, and should make a capital bargain by it.” The failure of the opera threw Berlioz on a bed of sickness…

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