Frederic Chopin

Frederic Chopin 1810-1849

Frédéric François Chopin (1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era, who wrote primarily for solo piano. He has maintained worldwide renown as a leading musician of his era, one whose "poetic genius was based on a professional technique that was without equal in his generation".

Chopin was born in ?elazowa Wola in the Duchy of Warsaw and grew up in Warsaw, which in 1815 became part of Congress Poland.

A child prodigy, he completed his musical education and composed his earlier works in Warsaw before leaving Poland at the age of 20, less than a month before the outbreak of the November 1830 Uprising. At 21, he settled in Paris. Thereafter – in the last 18 years of his life – he gave only 30 public performances, preferring the more intimate atmosphere of the salon. He supported himself by selling his compositions and by giving piano lessons, for which he was in high demand. Chopin formed a friendship with Franz Liszt and was admired by many of his other musical contemporaries, including Robert Schumann.

Chopin died from tuberculosis on October 17, 1849. He had suffered from that disease for the last 11 years of his life.

Chopin's music is characterized by its lyricism, its use of Polish folk music, and its technical virtuosity. He is best known for his nocturnes, études, and waltzes. His music has been transcribed for other instruments, and it has been used in films, television shows, and commercials.

Chopin's music is a testament to his genius and his love of Poland. His music is still relevant today, and it continues to inspire and move audiences all over the world.