Like many composers before him, Wain was inspired by the challenge of writing a work based on the famous Caprice in A minor from Paganini's 24 Caprices for Solo Violin. The work consists of the theme followed by nine variations, and the composer has said that he was stimulated by the idea of creating a well-shaped and unified whole as opposed to a collection of thematically linked but disparate character pieces. Each variation builds on the one before, the work becoming more dramatic and technically demanding as it proceeds. 

Since its public premiere by the composer in May 1998, Paganini Variations has entered the mainstream of exam recital repertoire in music conservatories throughout Australia.