Niccolò Paganini

String Quartet No. 1

Paganini's three string quartets which are his only compositions using the classical string quartet orchestration, were presumably written between 1815 and 1818. As a part of his catalogue of chamber-music works, they belong to the very small group of works written exclusively for string instruments - together with the Three Duetti concertanti for violin and violoncello (RL 40300). Paganini loved to play quartets. For example, we know that he dedicated himself to Beethoven's string quartets which he used to play privately. Paganini's string quartets, so far only available as facsimile editions, are presented here for the first time in an edition based on the autographs. For the most part, the first violin is the leading instrument which carries the melody whereas the other parts share the accompaniment. Unlike many other Paganini compositions, these quartets are not extremely virtuoso but rather of intermediate difficulty which make them more attractive for a wide range of string players.