Frédéric Chopin
Frederic Francis Chopin (1810-1849)
Chopin was the greatest of Polish composers and an outstanding pianist as
well.
Born in Zelazowa Wola in central Poland, died in Paris, France.
He started his musical education in 1816, composed his first work in 1817, and
made his first appearance on stage in 1818. He studied music first with
Joseph Elsner, and after 1826 in the Musical School in Warsaw.
In 1830 he left Poland and lived the rest of his life in Paris,
France.
He composed almost entirely for piano.
His works include :
- 58 mazurkas
- 17 polonaises
- 21 nocturnes
- 4 ballads
- 4 scherzos
- 3 sonatas
- 2 fantasies
- 26 preludes
- 27 etudes
- 4 impromptus
- 2 concertos
He has become the most loved composer of piano music.
In commemoration of the genius of Chopin there is a piano contest
held in Warsaw every five years.