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Considered one of the greatest Romantic composers, and one of the most important Polish composers in history. One of the most famous pianists of his time was often called the poet of the piano. We are, of course, talking about Frédéric Chopin, who was born exactly 213 years ago, on 1 March 1810.
Frédéric Chopin is regarded as one of the most outstanding Polish composers and pianists. He was born in Żelazowa Wola on 1 March 1810. Frédéric had three sisters (Ludwika, Izabela, and Emilia). In 1810, the family moved to Warsaw.
At the age of six, Frédéric began taking piano lessons and later started writing music. His remarkable talent was quickly recognized in the salons of the wealthy in Warsaw, and it developed quickly.
Chopin in Vienna
In 1829, Chopin travelled to Vienna for the first time and was met with great success. His Variations on “Là ci darem la mano,” was published by a Viennese publisher and received a positive review from Schumann, resulting in a lot of enthusiasm from the audiences he performed for.
Shortly after, Chopin created two piano concertos which are considered to be among the greatest works in the genre, and he intended to go back to Vienna in the fall of 1830.
Around seven days after entering the European city famous for its music, he was told that the November Revolution had started.
“New land”
Chopin had no expectations of setting up any big concerts in Austria, and so he journeyed to Paris through Germany in July of 1831. When he arrived in Stuttgart, he was informed that the rebellion had been put down, and he experienced a mental breakdown. This caused him to go to a “new land,” and he never returned to his home in Poland.
Frédéric Chopin died on 17 October 1849 in Paris.
Read more on chopin.nifc.pl.