1. Frederic Chopin
(1810 – 1849)

2. Chopin (Pronounced “show-pan”)
Born in town near Warsaw, Poland
Father was French, mother – Polish
6 years old – started to compose
Took music lessons from violin teacher even though he played piano! Couldn’t show him how to play, but showed him what to play
Since he never had a piano teacher, came up with his own style
7 y.o. - 1st piece published
8 y.o. - 1st public appearance

3. Chopin
12-17 y.o. – took music lessons with the director of the Warsaw Conservatory
Made very few public appearances
Preferred private concerts
39 y.o. - Died of tuberculosis, buried in France, Polish dirt imported to put on grave
Requested that his heart be removed, put in an urn & sent to Warsaw. Still on display at the Church of the Holy Cross.
Nearly all his music is for solo piano

4. Chopin Manuscript

5. Chopin’s Music “Funeral March” from Piano Sonata No. 2 in Bb Minor
“Minute” Waltz
“Revolutionary” Etude in C Minor (etude – French for “study”)