Frederic Chopin (1810 – 1849)
Chopin (Pronounced “show-pan”) Born in town near Warsaw, Poland Father was French, mother – Polish 6 years old – started to compose Took music lessons from violin teacher even though he played piano! Couldn’t show him how to play, but showed him what to play Since he never had a piano teacher, came up with his own style 7 y.o. - 1st piece published 8 y.o. - 1st public appearance
Chopin 12-17 y.o. – took music lessons with the director of the Warsaw Conservatory Made very few public appearances Preferred private concerts 39 y.o. - Died of tuberculosis, buried in France, Polish dirt imported to put on grave Requested that his heart be removed, put in an urn & sent to Warsaw. Still on display at the Church of the Holy Cross. Nearly all his music is for solo piano
Chopin Manuscript
Chopin’s Music “Funeral March” from Piano Sonata No. 2 in Bb Minor “Minute” Waltz “Revolutionary” Etude in C Minor (etude – French for “study”)