Born:
Either February 22, as stated on his certificate of baptism, or March 1, 1810 based on his and his family's statements. His parents were Mikolaj (Nicolas) Chopin, who was originally from France, and Tekla Justyna Krzyzanowska.
Birthplace:
Zelazowa Wola in the Mazovia region of Poland.
Died:
October 17, 1849 due to pulmonary tuberculosis. He was buried in Paris.
Also Known As:
Hailed as a child prodigy, musical genius, genius of the piano, a teacher of Polish and French aristocracy.
Type of Compositions:
His works include polonaises, mazurkas, etudes, nocturnes, waltzes, songs, preludes, scherzo and ballades. He wrote mostly for the piano.
Influence:
At 6 years old, Chopin received piano lessons from Wojciech Zywn. Chopin will later surpass the talent of his teacher. He was also taught by the pianist and Warsaw Conservatory professor Wilhelm Würfel. When he was 15, Chopin published his first musical work (a rondo). Four years later, he was already performing in concerts in Vienna. The rest of his years where spent in Paris where he continued to compose, give concerts and teach.
Notable Works:
Among his most famous compositions are: "Polonaises in G minor" and "B flat major 9" which he composed when he was 7 years old, "Sonata in C minor," "Rondo à la Krakowiak, op. 14," "Variations, op. 2 on a theme from Don Juan by Mozart," "Trio in G minor, op. 8," "Fantaisie in F minor, Op. 49" "Fantaisie, op. 13," "Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor," "Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor," "Nocturne op. 9 No. 2," "Scherzo in B minor," "Etudes from op. 10" and "Ballade in F major."
Interesting Facts:
Chopin was separated from his family due to the Russo-Polish war. He also lost two of his great loves Maria Wodzinski (her parents saw Chopin to be unfit due to his poor health) and George Sand (who separated from Chopin because of her son's disapproval). Chopin is said to be shy but was well-liked in Paris. Based on Chopin's will, his heart was placed in an urn, brought to Warsaw and placed in a pillar of the Holy Cross church.
Music Sample:
Listen to Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin's "Nocturne Op.9 No.2" courtesy of YouTube.