Frederic CHOPIN

1 March 1810 - 17 October 1849 (age 39)

portrait of Chopin by Paul Helm

The above image is a portrait of Frederic Chopin from my series '52 Composers'. I made it using a combination of traditional and digital techniques.
I have made this portrait available in various formats and also on some gift items which will make unusual presents for music lovers.
You will also find here recommended books, CDs, and other Chopin related goodies.

Family

Born: March 1, 1810 in Zelazowa Wola, Poland
Died: October 17, 1849 in Paris, France. Tubercolosis.
Father: Mikołaj (Nicolas) Chopin, originally a Frenchman from Lorraine, played the flute and violin.
Mother: Tekla Justyna Krzyzanowska
Siblings: 3 sisters: Ludwika, Izabela and Emilia. Ludwika (Louise) gave him his first piano lessons.
Partners: Unmarried. Was engaged to Maria Wodzińska but broken off. Several romances including Polish countess Delfina Potocka. The most important however was his 10 year turbulent relationship with French writer George Sand ( Aurore Dudevant) who dressed as a man.
Children: none
Grave: Heart only: Holy Cross Church, Warsaw, Poland
Body (without heart): Cimetière du Père Lachaise, Paris, France

Amazon Store

Books, CDs on Amazon.com (US)

Works

Style: early French Romantic with Polish nationalist influence.
Quantity: well over 200 works including:
58 Mazurkas
19 Waltzes
27 etudes
21 nocturnes
21 waltzes
17 polonaises
2 Piano concertos
26 Preludes
He is unusual in being known primarily for his work for the piano only. He produced very little chamber music and his only major orchestral works were two piano concertos.
He didn't give titles to his works but identified them by genre and number.
One of his best known works however is known as 'The Minute Waltz"

Chopin made a good living by composing and teaching. He gave very few public performances (30 - 35) preferring to play in private salons or at home to his circle of friends and acquantances.

Yundi Li - Chopin "Fantasie" Impromptu, Op. 66

Travels

Left Poland when he was 21 to go to Paris.
Toured Europe with his friend Liszt, but stayed predominantly in Paris.
Spent some time in Majorca for his health - but it rained all the time and he got worse!
The year before he died he spent 7 months in England and Scotland.
His last public performance was for Polish refugees in London's Guildhall

eBay finds

On eBay you will find bargains galore but more interestingly there is a treasure chest of old items. Out of print books, old recordings no longer available, memorabilia and goods no longer sold on the High Street.To see what is currently on offer take a look at:.

Chopin items on eBay.com (USA)

or in the UK at eBay.co.UK

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