Alternately greedy and generous, Paganini made and spent a deal of money, slept in many an illicit bed, achieved the patronage of Napoleon’s sister Elisa (Princess of Lucca and Piombo).

Bel Canto: The World of Paganini — Roberto Cani, violin; Abhijit Sengupta, viola; Robert deMaine, cello; Jason Vieaux, guitar, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Wellspring Theatre, Suite 204, Epic Center, 359 ...