Jill Morton, age 17, of Erie, Pa., for her question:

WHO WAS PAGANINI?

Niccolo Paganini is considered by many musical experts to be one of the greatest violinists of all time. He is also regarded as one of history's greatest composers.

Paganini was born 207 years ago in Genoa, Italy, in 1782. He made his concert debut when he was only 9 years old.

At the age of 13, Paganini started to compose pieces for the violin. He wrote 24 caprices for violin, two concertos for violin and orchestra and a famous number called "Moto Peretuno" ("Perpetual Motion").

Also from the age of 13 Paganini enjoyed one triumphant concert tour after another. He played quiet melodies so beautifully that often many in his audiences broke into tears.

Paganini could perform with such force and speed that a rumor started to circulate. It said he was in league with the devil, who guided his bow. Others thought he was a magician and his playing proved this idea.

Paginini's Guarneri violin was left to the city of Genoa and it is there today in a museum.