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Composer

Frédéric Chopin

1810 — 1849

AboutFrédéric Chopin

Between February 1809 and October 1813, a total of six significant composers were born: Mendelssohn, Schumann, Liszt, Wagner, Verdi, and, of course, Chopin. His exceptional pianistic talent was recognized early, and he gave his first concerts at the age of eight, despite having received little professional instruction. By the age of 15, his first compositions were in print, and four years later, he made his highly successful debut in Vienna. The following year, he left Poland to settle permanently in Paris in 1831. At that time, he had no idea that political developments would make it impossible for him to return to his beloved homeland. In Paris, he enjoyed great prestige, and his friends included Liszt, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Rossini, Bellini, Balzac, Heine, and Delacroix. He was a sought-after and well-paid piano teacher and regularly frequented the salons of the aristocracy and the upper bourgeoisie. Chopin composed most of his works for solo piano, and the most beautiful of them – Ballades, Scherzos, Etudes, Mazurkas, Waltzes, Polonaises, Préludes, and Nocturnes – may be relatively short pieces, but this in no way diminishes their rich content, brilliant conception, and emotional depth. Concerts and Operas by Frédéric Chopin Watch on STAGE+

The World of Frédéric Chopin: Concerts, Composer Insights & More

Dive into the world of Frédéric Chopin - from stage performances by renowned pianists across the globe to insights about the composer's life and work. Get all the information on upcoming concerts, reviews, artist profiles and more at STAGE+.

Upcoming Performances Featuring Frédéric Chopin by Top Artists

Stay tuned for information on upcoming performances featuring the works of Frédéric Chopin. Experience the magic of his music live, as interpreted by some of the world's top artists.

Life and Musical Journey of Frédéric Chopin

Frédéric Chopin stands as one of the most influential composers and pianists of the Romantic era. Renowned for the poetic depth and technical brilliance of his piano music, Chopin’s oeuvre reflects a remarkable range—from intimate miniatures to sweeping large-scale forms. His life, marked by paradoxes and artistic innovation, left a profound legacy on the world of classical music.

Born in Poland in 1810 to a Polish mother and French father, Chopin's exceptional talent was recognized from a young age. He left Poland less than a month before the November 1830 Uprising, at age 20, and settled in Paris a year later at 21. Here, he became a central figure in artistic salons, especially with the likes of Liszt and Delacroix. Chopin was renowned for his unique approach to rubato, rhythm, and tone. Many of his compositions began as improvisations and were shaped by the salon atmosphere. He was intensely private, rarely performing in large concert halls but frequently playing for intimate gatherings.

Artist Reviews & Insights on Chopin's Works

Discover in-depth reviews and insights into Chopin's works from acclaimed artists and music critics. Understand the nuances of his compositions and the impact they have had on classical music.

Exploring Chopin's Signature Compositions

Chopin composed almost exclusively for the piano, creating a distinctive catalog that includes pieces in nearly every major Romantic piano genre.

Études, Opp. 10 & 25 - Breaking Boundaries in Piano Music

Explore the technical brilliance and poetic depth of Chopin's Études, which broke new ground in piano music.

The Melodic and Emotional Depth of Chopin's Polonaises

Delve into the melodic and emotional depth of Chopin's Polonaises, a genre that he elevated to new heights.

The Unrivalled Nocturnes of Frédéric Chopin

Experience the unrivalled beauty and depth of Chopin's Nocturnes, a genre he perfected and made his own.

Tales Behind Chopin’s Famous Ballades

Discover the stories and inspirations behind Chopin’s famous Ballades, a genre he revolutionized.

Revolutionary Études, Op. 10: No. 12 by Chopin

Learn about the revolutionary Études, Op. 10: No. 12, a piece that showcases Chopin's unique approach to piano music.

Chopin's Dramatic Impromptu No. 1 in A Flat Major, Op. 29

Explore Chopin's dramatic Impromptu No. 1 in A Flat Major, Op. 29, a piece that showcases his innovative approach to rhythm and tone.

A Glimpse into Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1: A Masterpiece of Romantic Era

Get a glimpse into Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1, a masterpiece that stands as a testament to his genius and the Romantic era.