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Paganini's Obsession
Why Niccolo Paganini was dubbed the 'violin-playing vampire'
Why Niccolo Paganini was dubbed the 'violin-playing' vampire. The almost incomparable skill of Niccolo Paganini led to rumours that he had made a pact with the devil. The more likely truth is that he suffered from an obsessive compulsive disorder which led him to practise for hours on end and neglect his general health. The medication he took may also have exacerbated his symptoms.