Secrets of the brilliant violinist: a book about Niccolo Paganini presented in Minsk

International Music Day is celebrated on October 1. On this day, Belarusian writer and publicist Ruslan Pivovarov presented his book “Maestro Paganini” in the National Library, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency reports.

The work “Maestro Paganini” was published in February with the assistance of the Grodno regional branch of the Union of Writers of Belarus. The inner block was illustrated by Russian artist Victoria Alyabyeva. The book presents an example of selfless service of a person to a loved cause and people. The story contains reflections on good and evil, the place of the protagonist in the modern world.

- I have always been inspired by the music and the way it is performed not just by professionals, but by virtuosos and geniuses, of which there are many in the music world. Paganini is one of the most mysterious and extraordinary personalities of the past. I believe that such a great figure of the past is worthy not only of articles, but of books both prose and poetic. After all, his musical works are recognized as a benchmark for all modern violinists who want to reach the peaks on this path, Pivovarov shared. My work consists of three parts: a poem, an essay in which I discuss the question of the relationship between God, man, talent and three thematic poems devoted to different periods of the life of the virtuoso. Initially, I did not think to combine several literary genres in my book. I had the idea to write only a poem about Paganini and present it for the maestro’s birthday at the Italian Embassy in Belarus. I wanted the book to go to Genoa, home of the violinist. That's what happened. I have six chapters about Niccolo Paganini. Then I thought it was not enough, the poem needed to be expanded. And he took on the role of a lawyer, decided to justify the Italian genius and debunk the dark myths about his life and collusion with the devil. The essay allowed me to convey my author’s attitude to the musician. And poetry served as the final point, presenting it in ordinary life.

About music and the violinist the author told his father, a professional musician. In 1982, the film Niccolo Paganini (directed by Leonid Menaker) was released, which greatly influenced the writer. After watching the controversial program about the violinist R. Pivovarov decided to create his own work about the genius. The author’s work on the book took six months.

- I was thinking about creating a whole series of works about interesting and great musicians such as Vivaldi, Mozart, including Belarusian composers who have gained popularity in our country, Stanislav Moniuszko and Napoleon Orda. But while this is only an idea, I have to collect a lot of information to write such a book, said Pivovarov.

His opinion about the work was shared by the poet, publicist, literary critic, deputy chairman of the Grodno regional branch of the Union of Writers of Belarus Dmitry Radionchik:

- I want to mention the poet’s touching conversation between father and son. This complex philosophical dialogue of two generations and worldviews helped to overcome all differences and understand each other. Perhaps this passage will prompt certain thoughts of readers of different ages. As for the participation in the plot of the “dark forces”, the author warns each of us who puts his soul on the altar of art.

Guests were able to listen to the works of the maestro performed by schoolchildren - "Campanella" and "Capris No. 20".

- The presentation of the book is very good. It was interesting to listen to the poems in the author’s reading and the play of talented musicians. I would also like to stress the importance of the fact that the Belarusian poet prepared the book together with the Russians. It turned out to be a kind of publishing house of the Union State. This is very important in our time, shared the visitor Nikolai.

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