As presented by, Devin Alvey

Born on March 1, 1810 in Zelazowa Wola, Poland (Near Warsaw). Father was a Frenchman, mother was of Polish decent

Early Childhood Received above average musical education At the age of six began studying piano with Wojciech Zywny, who was a violin and music teacher from Czech and also introduced Frederic to the music of Bach. Studied harmony with Jozef Elsner

Early Childhood Composed first piece at the age of seven, Polonaise in G Minor Polonaise in G Minor was instantly recognized as a masterpiece and published in the town publication, Warsaw Diary First public performance was at the age of eight at a charity concert at the Blue Palace, which was a palace built by Polish royalty

Family and Friends Nicolas Chopin – Father Justyna Krzyżanowska – Mother Ludwika and Izabela – Sisters Ludwika was the oldest and wisest sister who advised Frederic, and was requested by Frederic to be by his side when he was on his deathbed Tytus Woyciechowski – two years older than Frederic, also studied with Wojciech Zywny, remained a life-long friend of Frederic

Paris Chopin moved to Paris in September 1831 Romantic Era in full blossom Frederic was introduced to important figures such as Ferdinando Paer, who helped Chopin enter a circle of revered musicians

First Works in Paris Nocturnes of Opp. 9 and Etudes Scherzo in B-flat minor, Op. 31 Sonata in B-flat minor Op. 35 G minor Ballade, Op. 23

Romantic Interest Aurore Dudevant, best known as George Sand, was a famous novelist. Combined talents with Chopin to help him produce numerous masterpieces Became romantic lovers

Illness Chopin underwent a spell of tuberculosis in 1838 Still produced numerous masterpieces: Ballades in A-flat, Op.47, and F minor, Op. 52 Mazurkas of Opp. 50, 56, 59, 63, 67 A-flat major Polonaise, Op. 53 Nocturnes of Opp. 48, 55, and 62 Sonata in B minor, Op. 58

Last Performance February 16, 1848, Chopin played his last concert in Paris Chopin was thirty-nine years old when he died on October 17, 1849

Works Chopin’s works were written for a solo pianist. They include: 20 nocturnes 25 preludes 17 waltzes 15 polonaises 58 mazurkas 27 etudes

Composition History The Polonaise in G Minor Published in 1817 by Chopin when he was just seven years old Published in Warsaw Diary Disappeared until 1926 In 1959 it was presented as a gift to Fryderyk Chopin society in Warsaw, Poland. Only other copy of this composition is at the Katowice Academy of Music

Composition History Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 Composed by Chopin at age 22 Chopin was inspired by the original creator of the nocturne, John Field. Initial success, but many considered the nocturnes the worst pieces to play of his many works

Composition History Ballade no 4 in F Minor, Op. 52 Composed during his up and down health condition in the year 1842 and early 1843 Charles Rosen, an American composer, had this to say about the piece, “one of the most moving pages in all nineteenth-century music”. Chopin dedicated Ballade no. 4 in F minor to one of his favorite pupils Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild

Listening Guide The Polonaise in G Minor: i.(0:00) - Introduction – piano enters playing adagio tempo, consistent rhythm, conjunct, range is narrow, consonance ii.(0:07) - Piano begins a descending melody, changes to moderato tempo, conjunct, range is narrow, consonance iii.(0:13) - Piano begins an ascending melody, changes to allegro tempo, conjunct, range is narrow, consonance iv.(0:07 – 0:19) - The contour is an arch, duple meter, consonance v.(0:19 – 1:05) - Arch repeats, consonance vi.(1:05 – 2:45) - Rhythm changes slightly, range is narrow, contour is descending, changes to triple meter, consonance vii.(2:45 – 3:38) - Arch repeats, consonance

Listening Guide Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9: i.(0:00 – 0:21) – Piano enters playing soft melody, range is narrow, tempo is moderato, rhythm is consistent with conjunct smoothness, consonance ii.(0:21 – 0:50) – Contour is an arch with an ascending melody that changes to a descending melody, rang is still narrow, tempo varies from grave, moderato, and vivace iii.(0:50 – 1:18) – Triple meter iv.(1:18 – 2:20) – Slight change in melody v.(2:20 – 3:19) – Arch repeats vi.(3:19 – 4:20) – Melody becomes even softer with a slightly slower rhythm that is still consistent and conjunct, consonance vii.(4:20 – 5:28) – Arch repeats

Listening Guide Ballade no 4 in F-Minor, Op. 52: i.(0:00 – 0:40) – Piano enters playing soft melody, slightly disjunct, narrow range, tempo is lento, consonance ii.(0:40 – 2:26) – Soft melody continues, Triple meter begins, disjunct, narrow range, consonance iii.(2:26 – 4:13) - Tempo increases slightly to adagio and andante, disjunct, changes to a wide range, dissonance iv.(4:13 – 5:18) - Melody decreases again to reach similar melody from the beginning or introduction, tempo decreases back to lento, consonance v.(5:18 – 6:28) – Tempo varies from lento to vivace, arch contour, dissonance vi.(6:28 – 8:28) – Melody is soft, narrow range, consonance vii.(8:28 – 11:16) – Tempo varies from lento to vivace, disjunct, wide range, dissonance

Bibliography Libby, Ted. “The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin.” life-and-music-of-frederic-chopin. 2 March Szulc, Tad. Chopin in Paris The Life and Times of the Romantic Composer. A Lisa Drew Book. New York: 1998