Paganini's Violin.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 17, 24 April 1902, Page 29

Paganini's Violin.

It is curious to note the persistent temptations which are placed before the Genoa people to induce them to part with the violin -which Paganini bequeathed to them. Some ten years ago an offer of £2400 was made for the instrument, but was refused, and a report was more recently circulated that £.10.000 had been tried in vain. Now we hn.ve a Chicago firm of music-sellers making an offer of £4000, which wa=s, of course, at once declined. It is absurd to suppose that the municipality of Genoa wo,uld sell such a precious relic. As a matter of fact, they are keenly alive to its value. They keep tho fiddle in a glass case in a recess in the wall, which is again encased in heavy French plateglass, tho whole being closed by a massive door. Every two months the seals are broken, and the violin is played upon for about half an hour in the presence of the city oilicials, and then replaced and again put under seal. This of course is done to keep the instrument m good condition. The violin, it may be added, is a Josef Guarnenus of 174 3, and was presented to Paganini by a French amateur who had in tho first instance lent it to the • wizard ' and then declared that he ' could never more profane the strings which your fingers have touched.' The fortunate Genoese also possess tho Guarnenus which belonged to Sivori (Paganini's pupil).