By: Dajuan Harrison

Early Life F rederic Chopin was born in 1810, in Zelazowa-Wola, a town near Warsaw, Poland. He began playing the piano at the age of eight.

Education Chopin began performing at aristocratic salons in Warsaw. In 1826 he began full- time studies at the Warsaw Conservatory.

Paris After concert appearances in Vienna and Munich, he settled in Paris, where he gave his first concert in Although he remained always devoted to Polish culture and artists, he never returned to his homeland. In Paris he became closely associated with the principal composers, artists, and literary figures of his time.

Major Works The sonatas in B Flat Minor (1840) and B Minor (1845). Two sets of études (1833, 1837). The piano concertos in E Minor (1833) and in F Minor (1836).

Works Legacy Because of their highly romantic quality, some of his works have become known by descriptive titles that he did not give them; they were published simply as nocturnes, scherzos, ballades, waltzes, impromptus, fantasies, and the like.

The Last Concert Chopin last concert was a benefit performance for Polish refugees, and at his funeral in Paris, Polish soil was strewn on his grave.

Death Chopin died on Oct. 17, 1849 in Paris at the age of 39, and as per his request, Mozart's "Requiem" was performed at his funeral at the Church of the Madeleine.