Frederic Chopin
1810-1849
Period of Music: Romantic
Nationality: Polish
Instrument: Piano
Major Compositions: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor
(orchestra), "Raindrop" Prelude (piano), Polonaise
Militaire (piano), "Minute Waltz" (piano), Mazurka in
A Minor (piano), Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 (piano),
Fantaisie Impromptu (piano)
Interesting Facts:
-Chopin began piano lessons at age 6 and played a concerto
in public when he was 8 years old.
-He was raised in a cultured, educated family.
-When Chopin was 7 his first work, Polonaise in G Minor,
was published.
-He attended the Warsaw Conservatory of Music.
-After embarking on a concert tour in 1829 Chopin was not
able to return to Poland due to the Russian invasion and
remained in Paris the rest of his life.
-He became friends with the composer Franz Liszt and other
famous musicians living in Paris.
-Chopin fell in love with the female French writer George
Sand who became an inspiration for his music.
-He helped make the piano a successful solo instrument.
Fantaisie Impromptu listening example
Minute Waltz listening example
Polonaise listening example
