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:
Child prodigy, musical genius, genius of the piano, teacher of Polish and French aristocracy
Type of Compositions:
He wrote among others polonaises,
mazurkas,
etudes,
nocturne, waltzes, songs,
preludes,
scherzo and
ballades.
Influence:
Wojciech Zywny gave Chpoin his first piano lessons. He will later on surpass the talent of his teacher. He was also taught by the pianist and Warsaw Conservatory professor Wilhelm Würfel.
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, op. 13", "Concerto in E minor", "Scherzo in B minor", "Etudes from op. 10" and "Ballade in F major".
Interesting Fact:
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). 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.
Sheet Music/Midi Sample:
Prelude in C
