24th Caprice
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The final caprice of Niccolò Paganini's 24 Caprices is a famous work for solo violin. The work consists of a theme, 11 variations, and a finale.
It is widely considered one of the most difficult pieces written for the solo violin. It uses many highly advanced techniques such as parallel octaves, rapid shifting, extremely fast scales and arpeggios, left hand pizzicato, high positions, and quick string crossing. As a result, many violinists after studying for many years still lack the virtuosity required for such a demanding piece.
Many other composers have used Paganini's theme for the basis of their own sets of virtuoso variations. The famous examples include Sergei Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Johannes Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Paganini.