Niccolo Paganini, the genius violinist alleged to have made a Faustian pact with the devil in exchange for his sublime musical skills, died in Nice on 27 May 1840.

We’ve been reading 19th Century newspaper reports about Paganini, and have found some fascinating stories.

Here’s a story about Paganini refusing to play at a pre-arranged concert at the Casino Paganini in Paris, and being sued for damages and fined £800 for his non-appearance.

Blackburn Standard – Wednesday 15 January 1840

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http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000151/18400115/021/0004