(1810-1849)

Frederic Chopin - Poet of the Piano

Frederic Chopin is often referred to as "The Poet of the Piano." It's said that no one understood the piano better than Chopin. He could make it sound romantic and poetic. Most of Frederic Chopin's tunes were short pieces but he could pour out a happy, sad, passionate or dreamy tune that was perfect in terms of form and style.

A Star is Born - Frederic Chopin's Early Days

Frederic Chopin was born in 1810 near Warsaw, Poland. He began taking piano lessons when he was six years old and by the time he was seven, he was already writing his own music and performing in the homes of nobles. He had his first composition published when he was just 15. Although he always considered Poland his home, he relocated to Paris in 1831 to pursue his love of making music. The people of Paris loved his work. Chopin began teaching music and playing in private homes - something he preferred instead of concerts.

The Woman Of Frederic Chopin's Dreams

In 1837, Frederic Chopin met and fell madly in love with George Sand, a female novelist who dressed like a man in order to get her works published. They spent the next ten years together, though they were never married. Chopin considered Sand a great inspiration and it is said that his Waltz in D-flat was written for George Sand's dog. Waltz in D-flat is also called the Minute Waltz because it can be played in one minute.

Remembering Frederic Chopin

In the 1840s, it was trendy for women and girls in Paris to be students of Frederic Chopin. This trend didn't last long however, because on October 17, 1849 Frederic Chopin passed away. He had been suffering from tuberculosis for many years. As he had requested, Chopin's heart was taken to Warsaw and placed in the Holy Cross Church where it remains entombed today.

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Read more: Art