RAG MusicClassic
Lovely classics

Niccolò Paganini Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Niccolò Paganini Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Last updated:

Niccolò Paganini, an Italian composer also known as a violinist of demonic, transcendental virtuosity.

By the age of 13 he had mastered the violin, and in his later compositional work he left behind numerous etudes that pursued new and specialized techniques for the instrument.

He also had a keen sense for showmanship: there are anecdotes of him stringing a wooden clog and playing it, or deliberately breaking strings mid-performance and continuing on a single string—his flair for entertainment is part of his appeal.

This time, we present a ranking of Paganini’s most popular pieces, so even those who don’t usually listen to classical music, be sure to check it out!

Niccolò Paganini Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)

Caprice No. 24Niccolò Paganini1rank/position

Jascha Heifetz plays Paganini Caprice No. 24
Caprice No. 24Niccolò Paganini

Niccolò Paganini, born in Italy and considered one of the greatest violinists in the history of the violin, possessed such astonishing technique that people said he had “sold his soul to the devil to obtain his skills.” Within the relatively short span of his career from the 1800s to the 1820s, he left behind numerous legends.

Among his works—he was also highly regarded as a composer—the Caprice No.

24 is the most famous and is known for its extreme difficulty.

24 CapricesNiccolò Paganini2rank/position

Rare Guitar Video: Nicola Hall plays Caprice No. 24 by Niccolò Paganini
24 CapricesNiccolò Paganini

Niccolò Paganini, the genius violinist born in Italy.

His astonishing technique and innovation continue to exert a profound influence even today.

His signature collection of 24 pieces for solo violin can truly be called the pinnacle of virtuosity.

Each piece presents a distinct technical challenge and demands advanced skills from the performer.

Premiered in Milan in 1820, this work vividly showcases Paganini’s exceptional talent.

Pushing the violin’s possibilities to their limits, this collection is also recommended for classical guitar enthusiasts.

Its wealth of techniques brims with ideas that can be applied to guitar performance as well.

Caprices, 24 in A minor, Op. 1 No. 24Niccolò Paganini3rank/position

Paganini: Caprice No. 24 [Naxos Classic Curation #Cool] / Niccolò Paganini: 24 Caprices, Op. 1 No. 24 in A minor
Caprices, 24 in A minor, Op. 1 No. 24Niccolò Paganini

This commercial uniquely promotes Morinaga Delicious Tomato Yogurt, which emphasizes the fleshy texture of tomatoes.

The key point is having people who actually dislike tomatoes try it; their reluctant expressions convey just how strongly the tomato flavor comes through.

Enhancing those reactions is the music: Caprice No.

24 in A minor.

Its striking, tense melody leaves an impression and builds excitement about what will happen next.

From 24 Caprices: “24 Quasi-Presto”Niccolò Paganini4rank/position

Paganini – Caprice In A minor (No. 24) – Perlman
From 24 Caprices: “24 Quasi-Presto”Niccolò Paganini

A dazzling set of variations unfolds, deploying every conceivable virtuoso technique.

This is the piece that has been reworked by the greatest number of different composers.

Paganini himself was a genius violinist, and it’s said that when Schumann was uncertain about his path, seeing him inspired Schumann to choose the life of a musician.

CantabileNiccolò Paganini5rank/position

Leonid Kogan – Cantabile, Paganini
CantabileNiccolò Paganini

Niccolò Paganini left an enormous legacy not only as a composer but also as a violinist.

The performance techniques he pioneered remain highly advanced even today, and his talent was so extraordinary that people of his time said, “Paganini gained his virtuosity in exchange for selling his soul to the devil.” One piece by Paganini I highly recommend is this short work, Cantabile.

Its pure, limpid melody—evoking the blue skies of Italy—leaves a particularly strong impression.

Grand SonataNiccolò Paganini6rank/position

Niccolo Paganini – Grand Sonata for Guitar and Violin. Allegro Risoluto
Grand SonataNiccolò Paganini

Paganini, synonymous with the genius violinist, was also a guitarist.

This Grand Sonata is a large-scale work in three movements, brimming with the vitality of Romantic music.

Although it was originally written with violin accompaniment, the guitar is the leading voice, and it is often performed as a guitar solo.

Violin Concerto No. 4 in D minor, MS 60, II. MovementNiccolò Paganini7rank/position

Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 4 in D minor – II. Movement (MS 60)
Violin Concerto No. 4 in D minor, MS 60, II. MovementNiccolò Paganini

Niccolò Paganini, known as the “magician of the violin.” This work splendidly captures his deeply emotional side, which mesmerized contemporary audiences with its exceptional virtuosity and innovative performance style.

The unhurried, sorrowful melody seeps into the heart, and the dialogue between solo violin and orchestra stirs the listener’s emotions.

At its premiere in Paris in 1831, it is said that the audience was moved to tears.

This is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to surrender themselves to its beautiful, heartrending melody and confront the feelings deep within.

Paganini’s music continues to resonate in our hearts across the ages.