Is it Papavrami or Paganini?
Sometimes it’s hard to explain why someone’s performance leaps up and zaps you in the heart. Perhaps that describes the mystery of the great Niccolo Paganini, the legendary 19th-century violin virtuoso who achieved the equivalent of superstar status in his time. Combining wizard-level artistry and palpable ardor (which might have included the sight of his wild mane of black hair), he became such a romantic figure that women often fainted at his concerts. In the 20th century alone, at least 23 films have been made about him. Billed by his advertisers as a phenomenon and a modern Orpheus, Paganini said at the height of his career, “I am not handsome, but when women hear me play, they come crawling to my feet.” That almost happened to Mr. Papavrami, who came to İstanbul last week to perform with the İstanbul State Symphony Orchestra (İDSO), conducted by Alexander Rahbari. In an all-Brahms program that included the composer’s Serenade No. 1, Papavrami performed his great Violin Concerto in
