Music Through the Ages Monday, April 4 th
Welcome Back! Schubert Review Chopin Group Presentation Work Happy Monday!
Review What were the years of Schubert? Where was Schubert born? What were his main instruments? Who were his first two teachers? What was the name of the school he studied at? Who was his teacher there? How many song cycles did Schubert write? What were his two major ones? What style of writing was Schubert most known for? How many pieces total did he compose?
Frédéric Chopin Born in 1810 in Warsaw, Poland Polish born composer and piano extraordinaire who was known almost exclusively for his piano compositions His poetic genius and piano technique was unrivaled during this generation (one of the best) Much like other composers we’ve looked at, Chopin was a child prodigy
Chopin’s Early Years Father was a French teacher but also played flute and violin Mother was a pianist and may have given him his first few piano lessons Chopin’s first official teacher was Wojciech Zywny and he began studying with him at age 6 At age 7, Chopin had already given multiple public concerts and in that same year he had composed his first two published works; Polonaise in G minor and B flat major At age 11, he composed his Polonaise in A flat major
Education In 1823 Chopin began studying at the Warsaw Lyceum (secondary school) where he studied with Wilhelm Würfel on Organ 1826, Chopin leaves the Warsaw Lyceum and begins studying Music Theory, Figured Bass and Composition with Josef Elsner at the Warsaw Conservatory In 1825 Chopin performs for Tsar Alexander I who was impressed enough to present him with a diamond ring Also in 1825, Chopin performs his first published work, Rondo Op. 1
Chopin’s Continued Success Chopin visits Berlin in 1828 while still a student and upon his return, he is hosted by Prince Antoni Radziwill, an accomplished cellist Chopin is inspired to write a piece for cello and piano Chopin had the opportunity to hear Paganini perform on violin which also inspired Chopin to write his first of 27 Etudes