Fryderyk Chopin, A Brief History and Musical Accomplishments Sarah Flint Salt Lake Community College Music 1010

Chopin History Frydryck Chopin Born: 1810 Died: 1849 I believe Chopin’s work was best described by Tad Szulc in this book Chopin In Paris. “Chopin’s music was admired, analyzed, applauded, compared, critiques, criticized, described, discussed, dissected, examined and judged to and exhaustive extent even before he died at the age of thirty-three a century and a half ago, and the fascination has continued ever since. Timeless, it arouses, bewitches, caressed and charms today as it did at its first hearing.” {1} www.milanocultura.com

Chopin History Fryderyk Chopin was born on March 1st, 1810 in Zelazowa Wola. His parents were Mikolaj Chopin and Justyna Chopin. By the age of 6 he mastered the piano. He practiced Bach daily. 2.bp.blogspot.com Fryderyk Chopin was born March 1st, 1810 in a small village, Zelazowa Wola, which is 20 miles west of Warsaw, Poland. He was the second child and only son to Mikolaj Chopin and Justyna Chopin. The Chopin’s had a piano in their home which is where he began to learn to play. It is said that by the age of 6 he had mastered most written music and could begin to make improvisations on the compositions. His parents would have him play Bach as a daily exercise. Chopin was cited as stating that Bach and Mozart were the two most important composers in shaping his musical outlook. www.chopinmonumentinchicago.com

Chopin History Chopin’s first composition was created when he was seven years old. The composition was transcribed by his father. When Chopin was seven years old, his first musical creations were made. The compositions were played by Chopin and transcribed by his father. The Polonaise in G major was published in Warsaw when he was eight years old. “The respected periodical Warsaw Diary informed its readers in January 1818 that ‘the composer of this dance, an eight year old youth is a true musical genius.’ It was the first time “genius” was applied to Chopin publicly.” [2] chopin.wordpress.com

Chopin History Chopin was ill most of his life Biggest illness was tuberculosis His father and sister died of tuberculosis Exposed to tuberculosis while they were young in Poland Chopin suffered from illness throughout his life. He was predisposed to many symptoms including; stomach illness, headaches, acid reflux and fatigue. His biggest illness to overcome was, at the time diagnosed as tuberculosis, which eventually took his life. He and his younger sister Emilia both suffered from this illness. They were most likely exposed to tuberculosis while the contamination was spreading throughout Poland. It was difficult for physicians to diagnosis this disease, they usually looked for a pale coloring and a cough. Chopin and his sister Emilia were sent to several health spas by their parents to help with the illness. Chopin’s health improved while his sister’s deteriorated, she passed away in 1847 when she was fourteen.

Chopin History Chopin’s first public appearance at a charity concert at the Blue Palace. Chopin made his first public debut as a pianist in February 1818 a week before he turned eight years old at a charity concert at the Blue Palace. As far as it is recorded Chopin only performed seven times publicly in Poland over the eleven year period of his youth, ending in Chopin’s first journey to Vienna in 1829. Avagabonde.blogspot.com

Chopin History When Chopin was sixteen he bought Ballads and Romances by Adam Mickiewicz. Some of Chopin’s ballads were inspired by these poems. When Chopin was sixteen he purchased a copy of Mickiewicz Ballads & Romances. He became enthralled with them and began composing the music for at least one of the Mickiewicz ballades. He also began to write his own Ballad number 1 in G minor in 1831, which was not published until 1836. This was the first of four of Chopin’s ballads. www.polandbymail.com

Chopin History November 1831 Chopin left Poland for Paris. He was a Polish patriot. Chopin enjoyed Paris, especially the Opera. He lived an elegant life style. In November 1831 Chopin left Poland and set out for Paris where he believed that his music career would most prosper. This was very difficult for him. He was a Polish patriot to the very core and a lot of his music has strong Polish tones to it. He was quoted from a letter written to a friend “ I think I am leaving to forget forever about home; I think that I am leaving to die and how unpleasant it must be to die elsewhere, not where one has lived.” [3] Before leaving for Paris, Chopin had an impressive knowledge and background through exposure to some of the world’s best music. Chopin was well received in Paris. He was well known among his peers; additionally, his reputation preceded him with many of his works. During this time in his life, he was best known for his Piano and Orchestra in B flat major or “La ci Darem La Mano, the duet from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Chopin wrote this piece when he was 17 and had it published 3 years later in Vienna. Chopin carried many unfinished works with him to Paris. The most popular being the Concerto in F Minor for Piano and Orchestra. This was composed when he was eighteen. This was the first of only two concerts he would compose for the piano and orchestra. The second is in E minor 1830. Some believe, the most beloved of Chopin’s work is the 12 etudes, which made up the Opus 10 cycle. He most likely started these in Poland and finished them in Paris. These pieces are not numbered in the order they were created and were most likely arranged after they were completed in 1831. Chopin was enthralled with the music and culture that was in Paris. He especially loved the opera and would attend them most nights. He enjoyed the company of the high levels of society and his friends. He would often stay out all night. This was a frustration for his father who worried constantly the effect this would take on his son’s health. www.dailypainters.com

Chopin History He disliked public performances. Chopin preferred to play for small groups of friends. He played publicly thirty times. Chopin was the least publicly heard pianist of his time. He earned his income mainly by teaching. Chopin charged up to 20 francs per lesson, which supported his high standard of living. Chopin did not like performing publicly and only performed a total of 30 concerts in his lifetime. He was quoted stating “I am not at all fit for giving concerts, the crowd intimidates me, its breath suffocates me, I feel paralyzed by its curious look, and the unknown faces make me dumb.” He would perform only when it was financially necessary or for a career move. Chopin preferred to play for small intimates groups of close friends or associates in his apartment. Chopin was the least publicly heard pianist of his time Chopin earned a good living from teaching piano. Chopin charged high fees for his services and was well sought after. He would charge up to 20 francs per lesson. His higher income from teaching made it possible for him to not perform most times in large venues, which he did not enjoy. He lessons could last up to five hours a day. He usually earned about 500 hundred francs per week. The higher costs for his lessons also helped support his high lifestyle. He had an expensive taste for his living accommodations, clothing, food and entertainment. The inspiration for Chopin’s music is mainly a mystery. It is hard to relate any events in his life or historical events to any of his compositions. “Chopin always discouraged relating his musical works to particular events in his life and refused to give actual titles to his compositions. He believed that all experiences found their way to music as he progressed through life.”[4] Chopin would at times wait years after the completion of a composition to have it published. This is true of the Ballade no 1 in G minor, Scherzon no 1 in B minor and The Bolero in C minor. An example is the Ballade no.1 which was estimated to be written in 1831 and published in 1836. The Scherzo no 1 in B Minor was estimated as being completed in 1831 and it was published in 1835.

Chopin History With his lover, George Sands, Chopin traveled to Majorca for the winter. Chopin was very ill during this time. The most productive time of his career. poietes.wordpress.com The winters of Paris were hard on Chopin’s health. The cold weather made his cough and illness more prominent. There is one notable winter in Chopin’s life, the winter of Majorca. He went with his lover at the time, George Sands, and her two children. Sands had decided to go to Majorca to escape the Paris winters for her son’s health and Chopin agreed to accompany them. During this time he was very ill. His illness came mostly from the harsh rains and climate in Majorca, and due to the condition of the apartment, they stayed in, which had very thin walls and let in a lot of the cold air. He had his Pleyel piano shipped to him for his stay in Majorca. The piano took a very long time to be shipped over. This was a great frustration for him. He borrowed a piano which was not to Chopin’s standards. When his piano did finally arrived, it was held up in customs, they wanted to charge 400 francs to have the piano released. In January 1839, Sands paid the fee and had the piano delivered to their villa. During the next five weeks before he left Majorca was considered the most productive time of his career, despite his bad health. He completed Preludes Op 28; a revision of the Ballade no.2, Op38; two Polonaises, Op 40; the Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39; the Mazurka in E minor from Op. 41 and he probable revised his Sonata No. 2, Op. 35. Chopin’s health improved a lot as they traveled back www.soller1.com

Chopin History At the age of thirty Chopin’s health began to fail. He was often bedridden. He still continued to teach. By the age of 30 Chopin’s health had begun to fail. He also began to obsess over death. He would often be in bed recovering from one illness or another. Throughout this time he still continued to teach and was pressured into a few performances by his friends. Some of his pieces written during this time is the Ballade no. 4 in F minor, the F minor Ballade, the Waltz in C-sharp minor, Scherzo no.4 in E major, the Poloniase in A – flat major and the three Mazurkas of Opus 50. These pieces are, as all of his works, hard to date. 1.bp.blogspot.com

Chopin History Chopin final appearance was at the Salle Pleyel on Rue Rochechouart. The event was a charity event for Polish refugees. Chopin’s final public appearance was on November 16, 1848 at the Salle Pleyel on rue Rochechouart, which was a patriotic gesture given for the Polish refugees. Chopin was displeased with this because the participants were more interested in dancing then they were of his music.

Chopin History Chopin died on October 17, 1849. bbc.co.uk en.wikipedia.org www.chopimonumentinchicago.com Chopin died on October 17, 1849. Chopin died of tuberculosis. Chopin heart is preserved at the Holy Cross Church near his home town in Poland. He is buried at Pere Lachasise Cemetery, in Paris. Chopin’s health continued to decline. He would have bouts of coughing fits where he would cough and spit blood. He had a hard time breathing as well. The doctors determined he had cholera and there was nothing to do but to medicate for the pain. Chopin died on October 17, 1849. His death certificate states that he died of tuberculosis which has been disputed by many historians stating that cystic fibrosis may be an alternate diagnosis. Per Chopin’s request, and fear of being buried alive, his heart was removed after he passed away and is preserved in an urn at the Holy Cross Church near Chopin’s last Polish home. He was buried at Pere Lachasise Cemetery. Chopin’s last works were a preliminary form of Mazurka in G minor and the Mazukain in F minor. Which are parts of Opus 67 & 68. The Nocturne in F minor is also believed to be one of his last works.

Chopin History Majority of Chopin’s music was written for the piano. cbc.ca Majority of Chopin’s music was written for the piano. There are a total of 230 Chopin compositions. Chopin is one of the great masters of the Romantic Era. The majority of Chopin’s music was written for the piano. All of his music features the piano in one way or another. There are over 230 Chopin pieces know to the world. All of the compositions involve the piano. Chopin composed 3 piano sonatas, 5 rondos, 4 scherzos, 4 ballads, 17 polonaises, 58 mazurkas, 20 waltzes, 3 ecossaises, 26 preludes, 4 sets of variations, 4 impromptus, 21 nocturnes, 27 etudes, and 2 concerti for the piano and orchestra. According to Arthur Hedley, “(Chopin) had the rare gift of a very personal melody, expressive of heart – felt emotion, and his music is penetrated by a poetic feeling that has an almost universal appeal.” [5] Chopin is considered to be one of the great masters of the Romantic era of music.

Composition History Chopin was the leading composer to use ballades as a music form Ballade at the time was associated with French poetry. Considered to be among the most technically difficult to perform. Written for the piano as a solo instrument. Inspired by Adam Mickiewicz. Chopin’s ballades are considered by many to be Chopin’s greatest achievements. There are four separate ballades. The ballades were roughly composed from 1835 – 1845. These pieces are considered by many to be some of the most challenging pieces of piano music. The ballades are one-movement pieces for the solo piano; however, each individual ballade is distinctly different. Chopin was one of the leading composers to use the term ballads as a music piece. The term “ballade” was most often associated with French poetry at the time. As with all of Chopin’s work it is hard to identify specific inspiration. Most musicians, however, agree that these works were most likely influenced by the writings of the Polish poet; Adam Mickiewicz. Chopin arranged his music following this poetry/story telling model. However, he wanted those that listening to his music to find their own stories within the music.

Ballade No 1 in G Minor, OP 23 Composed from 1835 – 1836 Dedicated to Monsier le Baron de Stochausen. Inspired by the poem Konrad Wallenrod. The most popular of the four ballades. Ballade No. 1 in G minor is the first of the ballades. It was composed in 1835 – 1836; it is dedicated to Monsier le Baron de Stochausen. It was believed to be inspired by Mickiewicz’s poem Konrad Wallenrod. This poem is believed to be an inspiration to the 1830 November Uprising against Russian leadership. Ballade No. 1 is has very difficult fingering with fast scales and large chords. Ballade No. 1 is the most popular of the four ballades.

Listening Guide Ballade No 1 in G Minor, Op 23 Performed by Claudio Arrau http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=tra.12899170&artistId=art.62105 0:00 Ballade No 1 begins pesante. 0:30 Moves to duple meter, which is the introduction to the main theme 1:42 The right hand is impressive with quick movements 1:55 The tempo quickens 2:10 Beginning of 1 of 2 glissandro passages 2:26 Bass cleft takes over the theme 2:37 Resolution of the theme 2:50 Second theme begins 4:20 First them reintroduced 4:30 Beginning of a series of crescendo’s   Ballade No 1 in G Minor, Op.23 0:00 Ballade No 1 begins pesante, meaning heavy and ponderous, with an introduction that gives the impression of being unrelated to the piece. The song begins in quadruple time. The time is only seen throughout the introduction. The song begins in a movable cleft which is also only apparent through the introduction. 0:30 The Ballade moves into a duple meter with a compound division. This change indicated the introduction to the main theme of this song. The runs in the main chord progression are in an arch structure. 1:42 During this time, the right hands is quite impressive with its quick movements in 32nd notes while the left hand holds the beat with quarter tones that continue the chord progression. 1:55 The tempo begins to quicken over the next 16 measures and holds steady in preparation for the upcoming glissando passage. 2:10 This is the beginning of the first of two glissando runs. 2:26 During this time, the left hand (bass cleft) takes over the theme while the glissando continues. 2:37 This marks the beginning of the resolution of the theme and continues for the next three measures. 2:50 The second theme begins here. The melody switches from the bass cleft to the treble cleft. The melody flows much smoother than before. 4:20 The first theme of the song is reintroduced. 4:30 This marks the beginning of a series of crescendo’s.

Listening Guide Ballad No 1 4:46 Moves to a double forte series of chords with a moving bass line 5:18 Begins a series in a descending scale. 5:27 Moves to an ascending scale with quick fingering 5:36 Counter subject begins 6:12 Second them reintroduced 7:14 Returns to first theme 7:58 Second glissandro run begins 9:00 Beginning the rounding out of the phrasing with quarter notes. 4:46 At the climax of the final crescendo the song moves to a double forte series of chords with a moving bass line and forceful runs in the treble cleft using chords instead of single notes.   5:18 The song begins a series a descending scale. It diminishes from a double forte to a piano intensity. 5:27 The ballade beings a movement to an ascending scale; which is extremely complicated, with very quick fingering. 5:36 A counter subject begins. 6:12 The second theme is reintroduced in a double forte with some brief variations. 7:14 The song returns to the first theme in a double piano intensity, with several crescendo’s. 7:58 The second glissando run begins here. This marks the beginning of the climax of the ballade. 9:00 This is the beginning of the rounding out of the phrasing with a series of quarter note chords ending the song with powerful three whole note chords.

Ballade No. 3 in A flat major Composed in 1841 Dedicated to Mademoisell Pauline de Noailles Inspired by the poem Switerzianka Considered the technically easiest of the four ballades. Ballade No. 3 in A flat major is Chopin’s third ballade. It was composed in 1841. It is dedicated to Mademoisell Pauline de Noailles. The inspiration for this ballade is disputed. It is argued to be inspired by Mickiewicz’s poem Undine, or Switerzianka. Many believe it is inspired by Switerzianka, because this poem is about the tragic story of a man’s anxiety and a women’s betrayal. It is believed because of the main theme of the ballade is of joy and happiness. This ballade is considered, by some, to be the technically easiest of the four ballads

Listening Guide Ballade No 3 in A Flat Major, Op 47 Performed by Claudio Arrau http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=tra.12899172&artistId=art.62105 0:00 Begins soft and dolce 0:26 A change in the introduction begins 1:05 Gradual crescendo into diverging trills 1:30 The intensity diminishes 2:18 A new theme introduced 3:08 Beginning of the climax of the current theme 3:58 Main theme reintroduced 4:28 Second theme is introduced Ballade No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 47 0:00 This ballade begins in A flat major in a duple meter, compound division, 6/8 time. It begins soft and dolce. It has nice melodic triplets through out the introduction. 0:26 A change in the introduction begins and the song progresses from a smooth melody to something more pointed and forceful. 1:05 Notice the gradual crescendo into a series of diverging trills. 1:30 The intensity diminishes into more melodic triplets, which was in the introduction of this ballade. 2:18 A new theme is introduced. 3:08 There is a crescendo which builds into a double forte. This indicated the climax of the current theme. 3:58 After the intense crescendo’s, the main theme is reintroduced. 4:28 A second theme is introduced into the ballade. This theme is a flowing inverted arch series of scales.

Listening Guide Ballade No. 3 4:58 Scales move to the bass line 5:15 First theme reintroduced 5:47 A key change 6:23 Intensity diminishes, melody comes to resolution 6:40 Key change back to original key 7:02 Intensity builds in major key 7:14 Climax of the song 7:40 Resolution 4:58 Following a series of trills the scales move to the bass line while the treble supports with the flowing chords. 5:15 The first theme is reintroduced. 5:47 A key change is encountered here. It changes from A flat major to C sharp minor. The melody becomes very disjointed. Notice the repeated pattern on the treble cleft while the melody is continued with the bass cleft. 6:23 The intensity diminishes as the disjointed melody comes to a resolution. 6:40 The key changes back to the original key of A flat major. 7:02 The disjointed melody picks up and builds in intensity in the major key. 7:14 This is the beginning of the climax of the song which is in the same triplet pattern as we saw in the introduction of the song. 7:40 The resolution of the climax is reached in a descending scale which ends the song in a lively major note.

References Szulc T., Chopin In Paris, 1998, ISBN 0-684-82458-2, p9 Hedley Encyclopedia Britainica p 264 References: 1. Szulc T., Chopin In Paris, 1998, ISBN 0-684-82458-2, p9 2. Szulc T., Chopin In Paris, 1998, ISBN 0-684-82458-2, p33 3. Szulc T., Chopin In Paris, 1998, ISBN 0-684-82458-2, p19 4. Szulc T., Chopin In Paris, 1998, ISBN 0-684-82458-2, p 43-44 5. Hedley Encyclopedia Britainica p 264