Polish composer and pianist of the romantic period, regarded by many as the greatest composer of the piano music.
Polish composer and pianist of the romantic period, regarded by many as the greatest composer of the piano music.
Born in Zelazowa Wola near Warsaw, Poland in 1810. His father was French, his mother Polish. Chopin studied the piano at the Warsaw Conservatory. He played his first public concert at the age of 7, and published first compositions at 15.
By the late 1820s, Chopin had won a great reputation as a piano virtuoso and composer of piano pieces. He toured Europe, giving concert performances acclaimed by audiences and critics. In 1831 he arrived in Paris where he became well known as a pianist, teacher and composer. In 1838 Chopin began to suffer from tuberculosis. He died in Paris in 1849 at the age of just 39.
Chopin's music has many references to his Polish origin. His mazurkas reflect the rhythms and melodies of Polish folk music, and his polonaises convey the heroic spirit of Poland occupied by other countries during his life. He composed ballades, scherzos, waltzes and etudes. His music is lyrical and romantic, very original with harmony, subtlety and poetic beauty.
