He studied with Ferdinando Giorgetti in Florence, and gave his first concert there in 1860, playing Louis Spohr's third violin concerto.
[1][2] From 1874 he lived in London; he took part in the Musical Union concerts of John Ella, playing in string quartets.
[1] A concert of the Philharmonic Society in 1875 was reviewed: Vieuxtemps's Adagio and Rondo, from his Concerto in E, were the movements chosen by Signor Papini....
In these selections the Italian artist found excellent opportunity for the disclosure of his undoubtedly fine qualities of tone and executancy.
As regards the former, nothing could be more inviting to the ear, because of its silvery richness; while, in all the arts of bravura playing, he was at once clear and articulate....[3]In 1893, he became violin professor at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin.