Caprice No. 5 (Paganini)

5 is one of 24 caprices for solo violin composed by virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini in the early 19th century.

[1] The piece has been transcribed for several instruments, including saxophone, piano, cello, bassoon, accordion, and guitar.

The piece is also associated with the movie Crossroads as "Eugene's Trick Bag,"[2] which was written and performed by Steve Vai and heavily inspired by the caprice.

Though written for the violin, the piece has also become known amongst guitarists, particularly because of its appeal to the technical proficiency of the shred guitar genre.

This can be seen from virtuoso Jason Becker's version of the piece, re-arranged for electric guitar (see External Links) and for Yngwie Malmsteen's use of Paganini inspired techniques in his music.

The saxophonist David Hernando performing Caprice No.5, by Niccolò Paganini.