Who was the celebrated violin virtuoso whose amazing technical ability on the instrument led to all sorts of fanciful and lurid rumors?

The celebrated violin virtuoso you are referring to is Niccolò Paganini. Known for his extraordinary technical skill and showmanship, he captivated audiences in the early 19th century, leading to various myths about his abilities, including rumors that he had made a pact with the devil. His performances and compositions revolutionized violin playing and have left a lasting legacy in Classical Music.