If you’re a classical music fan, you likely know Niccolò Paganini as a virtuoso violinist. He was also a prolific composer, and his melodies have become iconic in the classical music world. But which of the following excerpts is most likely a composition by Paganini?

Excerpt 1

The rolling hills of the countryside were reflected in the music, as the sweet and delicate sounds of a violin danced across the landscape.

Excerpt 2

The fiery intensity of the violin echoed through the hall, as the intricate runs of the melody were pushed to the limit.

Excerpt 3

The light and airy strings floated through the air, as a simple tune became more complex with each passing measure.

Surprisingly, Excerpt 1 is the most likely piece composed by Paganini. While he was known for his intense and virtuosic pieces, the maestro also wrote some sweet and delicate compositions. As someone who was classically trained but pushed the boundaries of the genre, Paganini wrote music that tended to be an eclectic mix. Excerpt 2 is more indicative of his virtuosic pieces, and Excerpt 3 is a more traditionally classical composition and less likely to be from one of his works.

Paganini’s compositions still resonate today, and his pieces are known for their intense energy and technical demands. Being able to identify which excerpts are his can be a fun way to get to know the maestro and his music better. The next time you hear one of his pieces, see if you can identify whether it’s an excerpt from one of his works.