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Composer

Frédéric Chopin

1810 — 1849

AboutFrédéric Chopin

Frédéric Chopin was a man of paradoxes: a Polish nationalist who lived out his days in exile in France; a musician who hated giving public concerts; a composer whose piano works were replete with the influence of bel canto opera, and whose idols in the early Romantic era were Bach and Mozart. Lavishly melodic, yet classically restrained; visionary in imagination, yet tautly constructed – his was one of the most individual musical voices of his era. Born in Poland in 1810 to a Polish mother and French father, Chopin had an exceptional pianistic talent which was recognised early. He gave his first concerts at the age of eight, despite receiving little professional instruction. He settled in Paris after the Polish Uprising in 1830, where he soon found himself in demand both socially and as a superb teacher. Chopin performed constantly in salon soirées for intimate groups of friends and admirers, made up of Liszt, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Rossini, Bellini, Balzac, Heine and Delacroix, to name but a few. First-hand accounts describe his playing and his very particular approach to matters such as rubato, rhythm and beauty of tone. His skill at improvisation was legendary and many of his compositions first took form in such moments of spontaneity at the keyboard. His evocative, intensely imaginative style, coupled with developments in piano manufacturing at the time, meant he was able to push the boundaries, not just of the instrument's power, but more importantly to create a wider range of colour, resonance and softness. Much like Liszt, he extended the demands placed on performer and instrument alike and left a tremendous, lasting impact on piano music. His very last public concert took place in London as a special event raising money for Polish refugees, shortly before he died, in Paris, at the age of just 39.

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.