Introduction

Was Fredric Chopin the greatest pianist ever? To answer that question we must ask ourselves, what did he do for the instrument? How did he revolutionize the instrument? Was he only a great player or was he also a great composer? The answer to the last question is yes; not only was he a virtuoso with no comparison, but he was also the brilliant composer of several massive piano concertos which require the utmost precision and talent.

Historical Context

Frederic Chopin was born on March 1st, 1810 in Zelasowa Wola, just outside Warsaw. At the age of six he was already a concert pianist. At the age of seven he had already published his first piece. He was entered into the Warsaw Conservatory, and at the ripe age of nineteen he graduated with flying colors. After this he traveled to Vienna to be immersed in the mainstream world of music. Here he gave two very successful concerts and became renowned as a great pianist. After this he decided to leave his homeland of Warsaw for good and eventually settled in France.

By the age of twenty he was already considered a virtuoso pianist, second to none. He was known for his sensitive playing and innovative improvisations. Having composed two immense piano concertos already he was ready to completely enrapture the world in his beautiful playing. His pieces demanded perfect playing for often the part of the orchestra was extremely secondary to the part of the pianist.

After arriving in Paris, he mingled with high society. Although he was a great pianist, his social skills still lacked. Chopin was used to showing off on the piano to swooning ladies, not chatting with the rich and famous. His introverted style made him less exciting than his usual stellar style in concert hall performances. So he went on to perform only at the Parisian Salon. Here he was welcomed openly and his most beautiful music shone through the murky darkness of the gallery.

In 1837, he met George Sand, whom he lived with for the next ten years. She cared for him in his times of sickness, and inspired him to write the richest music for piano the world has ever heard. After he left Sand, he performed in England and Scotland for the nest two years. He died in October 17th, 1849. He left behind music so powerful that it went on to influence great composers such as Brahms, Debussy, and Fauré.

His Famous Compositions

His music was enshrined by soaring melodies and long sustained lines. These attributes highlighted by extraordinary harmonies made his pieces very enjoyable. Much of his music contains the folklore and themes of his native country and his love of dance music was derived from here as well. His notable pieces include Piano Sonata no. 3, Piano Concertos in E minor and F minor and any of his numerous solo works. Perhaps his crowning achievements in piano music are his four ballades, which are not only technically showy and impressive but also extremely beautiful pieces.

• List of Chamber Works by Chopin
• Other Romantic Composers
• Classical Music Pages: Frederic Chopin
• Classical Net: Frederic Chopin

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