249.—A LITTLE TRICK OF PAGANINI'S.
The most brilliant period of Paganini's life was from 1814 to 1818. He was in high favor in Italy and was then more free with his talent than later in life. He was poor at that time and was largely occupied with gambling and with falling in love, but at the same time he was prodigal with his music, whether it be in the palatial dwellings of the aristocracy or on the streets.
Together with an excellent guitar player named Lea, he would wander all night long playing under the windows of their friends and improvising the most fascinating duets. Then when tired they would drop into the nearest inn and refresh themselves in a way not unheard of by many other musicians.
One evening a rich gentleman begged the pair, Paganini and Lea, together with a 'cellist named Zeffrini, to serenade his lady-love. They consented. Before beginning to play Paganini quietly tied an open penknife to his right arm. Then they commenced. Soon the "E" string snapped.
"That is owing to the damp air," said the violinist, and kept on playing on the other three strings.
A few moments later the "A" broke and Paganini exclaimed, "Just see what the dampness is doing this evening!" But he went on playing. Finally the "D" snapped, and the love-sick swain began to be fearful for the success of his serenade. For what could Paganini do with only one string on his violin. But Paganini simply smiled and went on with the music with the same facility and strength of tone that he had previously used on all four cords.
The penknife was more to blame than the dampness of the air.