Possessing a rare musical gift, Chopin focused his work mainly on piano music. But what he created in this genre deserves only one assessment - the creation of a brilliant composer.
His works are included in the repertoires of pianists all over the world.
Chopin created only two piano concertos; the rest was written by him within the chamber genre. But everything written is a story about his beloved Poland, where he was born, developed his talent and which he left so early: hoping - not for long, but it turned out - forever.
Biography of F. Chopin
Childhood
In the Chopin family, all the children were gifted: the sisters Ludvika,Isabel And Emilia had versatile, including musical, abilities. Ludvika was even his first music teacher, and later there was a very warm and trusting relationship between brother and sister. Mother (Justyna Kzhizhanovskaya) had remarkable musical abilities, sang well and played the piano. She managed to instill in the boy a love of Polish folk tunes. Father(Nicolas Chopin, French by birth) owned foreign languages and ran a boarding school for lyceum students. An atmosphere of love and mutual assistance reigned in the family, the children were surrounded by attention and care, this especially applied to Frederick.
He was born in the village Zhelazova Volya, near Warsaw, February 22, 1810, and lived in this house.
This house belonged to Count Skarbek; the father of the future composer was the family music teacher here. Already in the fall of 1810, the family moved to Warsaw, but the boy often came to Zhelazova Wola on vacation. During the First World War, the estate was destroyed, and in 1926 the building was restored. Now there is a museum where concerts are held in the summer, which attract pianists from all over the world.
Youth
Having shown extraordinary musical abilities already in early childhood, Chopin was very receptive to music: he could cry while listening to music, endlessly improvise on the piano, amazing listeners with his innate pianism. At the age of 8, he composed his first musical play, Polonaise, which received an enthusiastic review in a Warsaw newspaper: “ The author of this “Polonaise” is a student who has not yet turned 8 years old. This is a true genius of music, with the greatest ease and exceptional taste. Performing the most difficult piano pieces and composing dances and variations that delight connoisseurs and connoisseurs. If this prodigy had been born in France or Germany, he would have attracted more attention».
Young Chopin was taught music by a pianist of Czech origin; he began studying with a 9-year-old boy, and by the age of 12, Chopin was on par with the best Polish pianists, and Zivny refused to study with him, saying that he could teach him nothing more. Chopin then continued theoretical studies with the composer Josef Elsner, Polish composer German origin. By this time, young Frederic Chopin had emerged as a charming person with refined manners, which attracted special attention from others to him. Enough full characteristics Chopin of that time belongs to the composer F. Listu: « The general impression of his personality was quite calm, harmonious and, it seemed, did not require additions in any comments. Chopin's blue eyes shone with more intelligence than they were clouded with thoughtfulness; his soft and subtle smile never turned bitter or sarcastic. The subtlety and transparency of his complexion captivated everyone; he had curly blond hair, a slightly rounded nose; he was small in stature, fragile, thin build. His manners were refined and varied; the voice is a little tired, often muffled. His manners were full of such decency, they had such a stamp of blood aristocracy that he was involuntarily greeted and received like a prince... Chopin brought into society that evenness of spirit of people who are not bothered by worries, who do not know the word “boredom”, who are not attached to no interests. Chopin was usually cheerful; his caustic mind quickly found the funny even in such manifestations that not everyone notices.”
His musical and general development Trips to Berlin, Dresden, and Prague also contributed to his success, where he attended concerts of outstanding musicians.
Chopin's artistic activity
F. Chopin's artistic activity began in 1829, when he went on tour to Vienna and Krakow, performing his works there.
Polish uprising
29th of November 1830. The Polish national liberation uprising against the power of the Russian Empire began on the territory of the Kingdom of Poland, Lithuania, part of Belarus and Right-Bank Ukraine. It lasted until October 21 1831. under the slogan of restoring an independent “historical Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth” within the borders of 1772.
On November 30, the Administrative Council met: Nicholas I’s entourage was at a loss. “Nicholas, King of Poland, is waging war with Nicholas, Emperor of All Russia,” is how Finance Minister Lyubetsky described the situation. On the same day, General Khlopitsky was appointed commander-in-chief.
G. Wunder “Nicholas I informs the guard about the uprising in Poland”
Two wings of the movement immediately emerged: left and right. The left saw the Polish movement as part of a pan-European liberation movement. The right was inclined to seek a compromise with Nicholas on the basis of the 1815 constitution. The coup was organized by the left, but as the elite joined in, influence shifted to the right. General Khlopitsky, appointed commander-in-chief of the army, was also right. But he also enjoyed influence among the left, as an ally of Kosciuszko.
As a result, the national liberation war was suppressed, February 26 1832. The “Organic Statute” appeared, according to which the Polish Kingdom was declared part of Russia, the Sejm and the Polish army were abolished. Administrative division into voivodeships was replaced by division into provinces. In fact, this meant adopting a course to transform the Kingdom of Poland into a Russian province - the monetary system in force throughout Russia, the system of weights and measures, was extended to the territory of the Kingdom.
Soviet and Russian historian P.P. Cherkasov writes about the results of the suppression of the Polish uprising: “ In 1831, thousands of Polish rebels and members of their families, fleeing persecution by the authorities of the Russian Empire, fled beyond the borders of the Kingdom of Poland. They settled in different countries Europe, causing sympathy in society, which put corresponding pressure on governments and parliaments. It was the Polish emigrants who tried to create for Russia an extremely unsightly image of a strangler of freedoms and a hotbed of despotism that threatens “civilized Europe.” Polonophilia and Russophobia became important components of European public opinion from the early 1830s.”
Detailed story about this historical event necessary to make it easier to understand the reason for Chopin’s forced separation from his homeland, which he loved very much and for which he missed so much.
When news arrived in 1830 of an uprising for independence that had broken out in Poland, Chopin dreamed of returning to his homeland and taking part in the battles. He even started packing, but on the way to Poland he learned that the uprising had been suppressed. In some way, his parents were also involved in the uprising, hiding rebels in their house, so it was impossible for him to return to Poland. This separation from his homeland was the cause of his constant hidden grief - longing for his homeland. Most likely, this was also the cause of his illness and premature death at the age of only 39 years.
George Sand in the Life of Chopin
IN 1831. Chopin toured in Paris. His famous “Revolutionary Study” was written under the impression of the defeat of the Polish uprising.
After some time, he met George Sand, whose relationship was long (about 10 years), morally difficult, which, combined with homesickness, greatly undermined his health.
George Sand- French writer. Her real name - Amandine Aurora Lucile Dupin (1804-1876).
O. Charpentier “Portrait of George Sand”
The relationship between Chopin and George Sand began in 1836. By this time, this woman had a turbulent past behind her, she was already 32 years old, she had experienced an unsuccessful marriage, was a mother of two children and a writer. By the way, she is the author of more than 30 novels, the most famous of which is Consuelo.
At their first meeting, he didn’t like her: “What an unattractive woman this Sand is. And whether she’s a woman, I’m ready to doubt it!” - he remarked to the owner of the salon where their meeting took place. At that time, George Sand, a writer known throughout Paris, wore a men's suit, which was complemented by high boots and a cigar in her mouth. During this period, Chopin was going through a separation from his fiancée, Maria Wodzinska. Hoping that the climate of Mallorca would have a beneficial effect on Chopin’s health, Sand went there with him and his children for the winter. But the rainy season began, and Chopin began to have coughing attacks. In February they returned to France. From now on, Georges Sand wants to live only for children, Chopin and his work. But the differences in their characters and preferences were too great, and Chopin was tormented by jealousy: he understood the character of George Sand well enough. As a result, their mutual affection could not last long. Sand quickly realized that Chopin was dangerously ill and devotedly took care of his health. But no matter how his situation improved, Chopin’s character, his illness and his creativity did not allow him to be in a calm state for a long time. Heinrich Heine wrote about this vulnerable nature: “ This is a man of extraordinary sensitivity: the slightest touch to him is a wound, the slightest noise is a clap of thunder; a person who recognizes conversation only face to face, who has gone into some mysterious life and only occasionally manifests himself in some uncontrollable antics, charming and funny».
M. Wodzinska "Portrait of Chopin"
IN 1846 There was a conflict between George Sand's son Maurice and Chopin; Maurice decided to leave home. And when she took her son’s side, Chopin accused her of falling out of love with him. In November 1846, Chopin left the house of Georges Sand. Perhaps after some time their reconciliation would have taken place, but the writer’s daughter, Solange, intervened in the conflict: she quarreled with her mother, came to Paris and turned Chopin against her mother. George Sand writes to Chopin: “... she hates her mother, slanderes her, denigrates her most sacred motives, desecrates her home with terrible speeches! You like to listen to all this and maybe even believe it. I will not enter into such a fight, it terrifies me. I prefer to see you in a hostile camp than to defend yourself from an enemy who is fed by my breasts and my milk.”
George Sand died at the age of 72. Even after breaking up with Chopin, she remained true to herself: when she was 60 years old, her lover was the 39-year-old artist Charles Marchal, whom she called “my fat child.” And only one thing could make this woman cry - the sounds of Chopin's waltzes.
Chopin's last years
In April 1848, he went to London to give concerts and teach in order to take his mind off all the events associated with Paris. This turned out to be his last journey. Here, too, there was complete success, but a nervous, stressful life, the damp British climate and periodically worsening chronic lung disease completely undermined his strength. Returning to Paris, Chopin died on October 17 1849
Everyone mourned him deeply music world. Thousands of fans of his work gathered at the funeral. According to his wishes, Mozart's Requiem (his favorite composer) was performed at the funeral.
Chopin is buried in the cemetery Père Lachaise(between the graves of composers Cherubini and Bellini). Chopin's heart, according to his will, was sent to Warsaw, where it is walled up in a column Church of the Holy Cross.
Chopin's work
« Hats off, gentlemen, before you is a genius!”(R. Schumann)
Chopin gave his first concert in Paris at the age of 22 with complete success. In the future, Chopin rarely performed in concerts, but in salons with Polish audiences and the French aristocracy his fame was very high. He also loved teaching, which is an extremely rare occurrence among great pianists; many, on the contrary, shun teaching activities, considering it painful.
All of Chopin’s work is dedicated to his homeland – Poland.
- a ceremonial procession dance at a moderate pace, which is of Polish origin. It was performed, as a rule, at the beginning of balls, emphasizing the solemn nature of the holiday. In a polonaise dancing couples move according to established rules geometric shapes. The musical size of the dance is ¾. In polonaises and ballads, Chopin talks about his country, its landscapes and tragic past. In these works he uses best features Polish folk epic. At the same time, Chopin's music is extremely original, distinguished by its bold imagery and simplicity of design. By this time the shift classicism came romanticism, and Chopin became one of the main representatives of this trend in music.
- Polish folk dance. Its name comes from the inhabitants Mazovia –Mazurov, for whom this dance appeared for the first time. The musical size is 3/4 or 3/8, the tempo is fast. In the 19th century The mazurka became widespread as ballroom dance in many European countries. Chopin wrote 58 mazurkas, in which he also used Polish folk melodies, giving them a poetic form. Waltz, polonaise And mazurka he developed it into a musical form in its own right, combining classicality with melodic richness, grace and technical perfection. In addition, he wrote many scherzo, impromptu, nocturnes, sketches, foreplay and other works for piano.
Chopin's best works include sketches. Typically, etudes were works that contributed to the technical perfection of the pianist. But Chopin managed to reveal his amazing poetic world in them. His sketches are distinguished by youthful impetuosity, drama and even tragedy.
Musicologists believe that waltzes Chopin can be considered as his unique “lyrical diary”; they are clearly autobiographical in nature. Distinguished by his deep reticence, Chopin reveals himself in his lyrical works. His works are loved and performed all over the world, and the composer is called the “Poet of the Piano.”
Victor Bokov
CHOPIN'S HEART
Chopin's heart in the Church of the Holy Cross.
He feels cramped in the walled stone urn.
Its owner would stand up, and immediately from the page
Waltzes, etudes, nocturnes would fly into the world.
Chopin's heart in fascist, dark days
The black pogromists and executioners did not get it.
Around ancestors and close relatives
Chopin's heart fused with the roots of the trees.
How did you not burst, heart?
Chopin? Answer!
How did your people survive this unequal battle?
Together with your dear Warsaw, you could burn,
Gunshot wounds would have stopped you!
You survived!
You beat in the chests of the Warsaw people,
On the funeral march
And in the quivering flame of wax.
Chopin's heart - you are a warrior, a hero, a veteran.
Chopin's heart - you are the Polish army of music.
Heart of Chopin, to you I pray earnestly
Near the candles, giving the body a glow.
If you allow me, I will pour all my blood,
I will be your donor, -
Just continue your work!
Monument to Chopin in Warsaw
The question of the date of birth of the greatest Polish composer Frederic François Chopin still haunts the minds of his biographers, in contrast to the indisputable recognition of his talent and gratitude for the incredible musical heritage. According to his lifetime records, he was born on March 1, 1810, and according to the official baptism record in the parish church of the city of Brochow - on February 22. The place of birth of the creator is beyond doubt: the town of Zhelazova Wola, in the Masovian Voivodeship, located on the Utrata River, 54 kilometers west of Warsaw. The village belonged at that time to the family of Count Skarbek.
Composer's family
His father, Nicolas, was a native of the Lorraine capital of Marineville, an independent duchy ruled by King Stanislaw Leszczynski of Poland until his death in 1766, when it came under French rule. He moved to Poland in 1787, having a fairly good command of French, German, Polish, basic accounting, calligraphy, literature and music. In 1806, in Brochow, Nicolas married Justine Krzhizhanovskaya and this marriage turned out to be quite successful and long-lasting. The couple lived together for 38 happy years. A year after the marriage, their first daughter Ludwika was born in Warsaw, a son Fryderyk was born in Zelazowa Wola, and then two more daughters: Isabela and Emilia in Warsaw. Frequent family moves were due to political situation in the country. Nicolas worked as a tutor for the children of Duke Skarbek, who, depending on the military situation during Napoleon's war with Prussia and Russia, and later during the Polish-Russian War and until Napoleon's failed attack on Russia, moved from place to place. Since 1810, Nicolas moved his family to the capital of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, receiving a teaching position in a general education school. high school. The family's first apartment is located in the Saxon Palace, in the right wing, where the educational institution was located.
Chopin's early years
From an early age, Frederick was surrounded by live music. Her mother played the piano and sang, and her father accompanied her on the flute or violin. According to the recollections of the sisters, the boy showed a genuine interest in the sounds of music. At an early age, Chopin began to demonstrate artistic talents: he painted, wrote poetry and performed musical works without any training. The gifted child began composing his own music, and at the age of seven, some of his early creations had already been published.
Six-year-old Chopin took regular piano lessons from the Czech pianist Wojciech Zivny, who was working as a private teacher at the time and was one of the teachers at his father’s school. Despite the feeling of some old-fashionedness and comedy created by the teacher, Wojciech taught the talented child to play the works of Bach and Mozart. Chopin never had another piano teacher. Lessons were given to him at the same time as his sister, with whom he played four hands.
In March 1817, Chopin's family, together with the Warsaw Lyceum, moved to the Kazimierz Palace, in the right wing. This year the audience heard his first compositions: Polonaise in B - flat major and military march. Over the years, the score of the first march was lost. A year later he was already performing publicly, playing works by Adalbert Girowiec.
In the same year, thanks to the efforts of the parish priest, the polonaise in E minor was published with a dedication to Victoria Skarbek. One of the first marches was performed by a military orchestra during military parades on Saxon Square. The Warsaw magazine publishes the first review of the work of a young talent, focusing on the fact that at the age of eight the author has all the components of the present musical genius. He not only easily performs the most complex pieces on the piano, but is also a composer with exceptional musical taste, who has already written several dances and variations that amaze even experts. On February 24, 2018, at a charity evening at the Radziwill Palace, Chopin plays. The public warmly welcomes the talented performer, calling him the second Mozart. He begins to actively perform in the best aristocratic houses.
The adolescence of a young composer
In 1821, Frederic wrote a polonaise, which he dedicated to his first teacher. The work became the earliest surviving manuscript of the composer. By the age of 12, the young Chopin completed his studies with Zivny and began studying the fundamentals of harmony and music theory privately with Józef Elsner, founder and director of the Warsaw Conservatory. At the same time, the young man takes lessons German language with Pastor Jerzy Tetzner. He attended the Warsaw Lyceum from September 1823 to 1826, and the Czech musician Wilhelm Würfel gave him organ lessons in his first year. Elsner, recognizing the fact that Chopin's style was extremely original, did not insist on using traditional methods training and provided the composer with freedom to develop according to an individual plan.
In 1825, the young man performed an improvisation in an evangelical church, on a new instrument invented by Brunner, somewhat reminiscent of a mechanical organ, in front of Alexander I, during his visit to Warsaw. Impressed by the talents young man, the Russian Tsar gave him a diamond ring. The publication "Polish Herald" noted that all those present listened with pleasure to the sincere, captivating performance and admired the skill.
Subsequently, Chopin would play his works on little-known instruments more than once. According to the memoirs of his contemporaries, the composer even composed pieces to be performed on new instruments, but their scores have not survived to this day. Frederick spent his holidays in the city of Torun in northern Poland, where the young man visited the house of Copernicus, as well as other historical buildings and attractions. He was especially impressed by the famous town hall, the most great feature which was that it had as many windows as there were days in the year, as many halls as there were months, as many rooms as there were weeks, and its entire structure was an incredible example of the Gothic style. That same year he became the school organist, playing in church on Sundays as an accompanist for the choir. Among the works of this period one can highlight polonaises and mazurkas intended for dancing, as well as his first waltzes. In 1826, he completed his studies at the Lyceum, and in September he began to work under the wing of Rector Elsner, which, as the Faculty of Fine Arts, was part of the University of Warsaw. During this period, the first signs of health problems appear and Chopin, under the supervision of doctors F. Roemer and V. Maltz, receives prescriptions for treatment, which imply adherence to a strict daily regimen and dietary nutrition. He begins to attend private Italian lessons.
Years of travel
In the fall of 1828, the young man went with his father’s friend Yarotsky to Berlin. There, taking part in the world congress of nature researchers, he draws caricatures of scientists, complementing the images with huge shapeless noses. Frederick also reacts critically to excessive romanticism. However, the trip gave him the opportunity to get acquainted with the musical life of Berlin, which was main goal trips. Having seen Gaspard Luigi Spontini, Karl Friedrich Zelter and Mendelssohn, Chopin did not speak to any of them because he did not dare to introduce himself. The acquaintance with a number of opera works in the theater left a special impression.
After visiting Berlin, Chopin visited Poznan, where, according to family tradition, was present at the reception of Archbishop Teofil Woricki, a relative of the Skarbeks, known for his patriotism, and at the residence of the governor of the Grand Duchy of Poznan, Duke Radziwill, he plays works by Haydn, Beethoven and improvises. Upon returning to Warsaw, he continued to work under the leadership of Elsner.
At the beginning of winter he takes an active part in the musical life of Warsaw. At a concert in the house of Friederik Buchholz, he plays "Rondo in C" on two pianos with Julian Fontana. He performs, plays, improvises and entertains in Warsaw salons, periodically giving private lessons. Takes part in amateur productions home theater. In the spring of 1829, Antony Radziwill visited Chopin's house, and soon the composer composed for him “Polonaise in C Major” for piano and cello.
Feeling that Frederick needs to grow and improve professionally, his father turns to the Minister of Public Education Stanislav Grabovsky for a grant for his son so that he can visit foreign countries, in particular Germany, Italy and France, to continue his education. Despite Grabowski's support, his request is rejected by the Minister of the Interior, Count Tadeusz Mostowski. Despite the obstacles, the parents finally send their son to Vienna in mid-July. First of all, he attends concerts and the opera, listens to music performed by the local diva - pianist Leopoldina Blagetka, according to whom Frederick himself is a virtuoso who can cause a furore among the local public.
He made his successful debut on the Austrian stage at the end of 1829. The audience was delighted with his performing technique, complemented by poetic expressiveness. In Austria, Chopin composed a major scherzo, a minor ballad, and other works that fully demonstrated his personal Chopin composition style. In Austria he manages to publish several of his works. That same year he returned home to prepare for a concert tour, this time through Germany and Italy. On February 7, 1830, he presented his Concerto in E minor to family and friends with the accompaniment of a small orchestra.
Life and death in Paris
Over the next few years, Chopin performed widely in European countries, one of which was France. He settled in Paris in 1832 and quickly established friendly relations with young musical talents, among whom were: Liszt, Bellini and Mendelssohn. Nevertheless, longing for the Motherland made itself felt. Eagerly desiring to take an active part in political struggle his people, he could not find a place for himself.
In France, he begins to work in earnest as a private piano teacher. Due to poor health, public appearances became less and less frequent. Nevertheless, he became a prominent figure in Parisian artistic circles. His entourage included musicians, writers and artists, as well as rich and talented women. In the spring of 1836, the disease worsened. Most likely, the lung disease that tormented the composer was rapidly developing tuberculosis.
At a party at the Countess's residence, Chopin first meets the 32-year-old writer Amandine Aurore Dudevant, known as George Sand. At the end of 1837, Sand developed a close relationship with Chopin, who by that time had separated from Maria Wodzinska. Hoping for the healing climate of Spain, Frederic, Georges and her children Maurice and Solange move to Mallorca.
In the villa, among cedars, cacti, oranges, lemons, aloe, figs, pomegranates, under a turquoise sky, by the azure sea, however, there was no improvement. Despite his illness, the composer completed his twenty-four preludes in Mallorca. In February they returned to France. By this time, bleeding began to appear during coughing attacks. After undergoing treatment in Paris, the composer's condition improved. According to Sand's impressions, Chopin is so accustomed to having his head in the clouds that life or death means nothing to him and he is poorly aware of what planet he lives on. Georges, realizing the seriousness of her husband’s health issues, devoted her life to children, Chopin and creativity.
After improving their health, the family settled in village house Sand in Nohant, south of Paris. Here Chopin composes the “Nocturne in G Major” and the three mazurkas from opus number 41. He is working on completing the “Ballad in F Major” and the sonata. In the summer he feels unstable, but at every opportunity he rushes to the piano and composes. All next year the composer spends time with his family. Chopin gives five lessons a day, and his wife writes up to 10 pages a night. Thanks to his reputation and the development of his publishing business, Chopin successfully sells his scores. Rare Chopin concerts bring the family 5,000 francs. The public is eager to hear a great musician.
In 1843, the musician's health continued to deteriorate. He is taking homeopathic treatment. In October 1843, Frederic and his son Sand Maurice returned from the village to Paris, and his wife and daughter stayed for a month in nature. The death, at the age of fourteen in Vienna, in 1845 of his most talented student, Karl Filz, who was universally considered a brilliant pianist and closest in playing style, struck Chopin. The couple spends more and more time in the village. Among the regular guests is Pauline Viardot, whose repertoire Chopin listens to with delight.
Differences in temperament and jealousy interfered with the relationship with Sand. In 1848 they separated. Chopin toured the British Isles, performing in last time November 16, 1848 at the London Guild for Refugees from Poland. In letters to his family, he wrote that if London were not so dark, and the people were not so heavy, and if there were neither the smell of coal nor fogs, he would have learned English, but the English are very different from the French, to whom Chopin got attached. The Scottish fogs did not improve his health. At the beginning of 1849 they saw the light of it latest works: “Waltz in minor” and “Mazurka in G minor”.
He returned to Paris, his health gradually deteriorating. Sometimes there are decent days when he travels in a carriage, but more often he is tormented by suffocating coughing attacks. He doesn't go out in the evenings. Nevertheless, he continues to give piano lessons.
At two o'clock in the morning on October 17, 1849, at the age of 39, Chopin dies. Poland has lost its greatest musician, and the whole world has lost a true genius. His body was buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, and his heart was taken to the Church of the Holy Cross in Poland, near Warsaw.
Places in Warsaw closely associated with the name of the composer:
- Saxon Palace;
- Kazimierz Palace;
- Botanical Garden;
- Krasiński Palace;
- Warsaw Lyceum;
- Conservatory;
- University of Warsaw;
- Radziwill Palace;
- Blue Palace;
- Morsztyn Palace;
- National Theatre.
Listen: The Best, Frederic Chopin
Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) - Polish pianist and composer. He was born in 1810, on March 1 (according to other sources on February 22), in the village of Zhelazova Wola, located near Warsaw. Chopin's biography will be discussed in this article.
Family
The composer's father is Nicolas Chopin (1771-1844).
He married Justyna Krzyzanowska (1782-1861) in 1806. According to surviving evidence, the composer's mother received a good education. She was very musical, played the piano, sang well, and spoke French. It is to his mother that Frederick owes the grafted youth love for folk melodies, which was later reflected in his work, as well as his first musical impressions. Some time after the boy was born, in the fall of 1810, the father moved to Warsaw.
First achievements in music
Frederic Chopin, whose biography was already marked by achievements in music in his early years, showed musical abilities even in childhood. The famous Catalani foresaw a great future in him, then still a ten-year-old boy. Frederic Chopin began playing the piano and composing music at the age of seven. From the age of nine, the boy began studying with Wojciech Zivny, a Czech and serious teacher. Chopin's performing talent developed so quickly that by the age of twelve the boy was on par with the best pianists in Poland.
The first public performance of this musician took place in Warsaw in 1818. By this time he was already the author of several pieces for piano - marches and polonaises. Chopin, whose biography and work are covered in our article, entered one of the Warsaw schools in 1823. Here his music studies continued.
Chopin's biography and interesting facts about him are supplemented by the following event. In 1825, the composer was invited to perform before Alexander the First, Russian Emperor. He received a reward after the concert - a diamond ring.
Continuation of training
Givny was Chopin's only piano teacher. Seven years after studying with him, in the early 1820s, Frederick began studying with J. Elsner. By this time his talent had developed greatly. Chopin's biography was replenished with new facts in 1826, when in July he graduated from the Warsaw school, and in the fall he entered the Warsaw Higher School of Music to continue his education. Here Frederick studied for about three more years.
Patrons Princes Chetverinsky and Anton Radzwill introduced him into high society. In appearance and manner, Chopin made a pleasant impression. This was noted by many of his contemporaries. Liszt, for example, said that Frederick made a “calm, harmonious” impression.
Works created while studying with Elsner
Under the guidance of the excellent teacher and musician Elsner, who immediately noticed Chopin's genius, Frederic made great progress. Elsner's photo is shown below.
During his studies, Chopin wrote many works for piano, from which one can highlight the Rondo, the first sonata, variations on a theme by Mozart, Nocturne in E minor, Krakowiak and others. This composer was already strongly influenced by the folk music of Poland, as well as the poetry and literature of this country (Witwicki, Slovacki, Mickiewicz, etc.). In 1829, upon completion of his studies, Frederick went to Vienna, where he performed his works. Chopin's biography was marked by the first independent concert, held in 1830 in Warsaw. A number of others followed.
Chopin leaves his homeland
Chopin played in Warsaw for the last time in 1830, on October 11, after which he left his homeland forever. He lived in Vienna from the end of 1830 to 1831 (the first half). Visits to theaters, musical acquaintances, concerts, trips around the city had a beneficial effect on the development of the talent of such a musician as Chopin. The biography and work of this composer in those years were marked by the following events.
Chopin left Vienna in the summer of 1830. He spent the beginning of September in Stuttgart, where he learned of the fall of Warsaw and the failure of the Polish uprising. Then, having traveled through Munich, Vienna, Dresden, he arrived in Paris in 1831. Chopin's biography and his work can be studied in more detail by referring to the diary that the writer kept on the road ("Stuttgart Diary"). It describes state of mind the composer while in Stuttgart, where Frederick was overcome by despair due to the defeat of the Polish uprising. This event was reflected in his work, which we will tell you about now.
New works by the composer
Frederic Chopin, whose biography interests us, was impressed by this news and wrote an etude in C minor, which is often called revolutionary, as well as two deeply tragic preludes: D minor and A minor. Among the new works of this composer at that time were also a polonaise in E-flat major, concertos for piano and orchestra, nocturnes, Polish songs based on works by Mickiewicz and Witwicki, etc. Frederick subordinates the technical elements of the works entirely to musical and poetic images.
Chopin in Paris
So, as we have already said, the biography of Chopin in 1831, in the fall, was marked by the move of this composer to Paris. His life since then has been connected with this city. Here the composer became close to Bellini, Berlioz, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Hiller, and also met such artists and writers as Georges de Sand, Lamartine, Hugo, Delacroix, Heine, Musset, and Balzac. In 1832, on February 26, Chopin gave his first concert in Paris, in which he performed variations on the theme of Mozart's Don Giovanni, as well as a piano concerto. Liszt, who was present at the performance, noted that Chopin’s talent, together with his innovations, opened a new phase in the development of art. Even then it was clear that great success how the composer will achieve Frederic Chopin. The biography briefly outlined in the article allows you to verify this.
Life in Paris in the 1830s
From 1833 to 1835, Frederick often performed works together with Hiller, Liszt, and the Hertz brothers. He rarely performed in concerts, but in the salons of the French aristocracy and the Polish colony, the fame of this composer grew very quickly. He also had opponents (Field, Kalkbrenner), but this did not prevent Frederick from gaining many admirers in society, including among artists. The years 1836-1837 were decisive in the personal life of this composer. Then the engagement to Maria Wodzinskaya was broken off, and Chopin became close to Georges Sand. In 1837, Frederick felt his first attack of lung disease. This was the biography of Chopin at that time (summary).
Creativity flourishes
The greatest flowering of Frederick's work occurred in the period from 1838 to 1846. It was at this time that Chopin wrote the most significant and perfect works, including the second and third sonatas, polonaises in F sharp minor and A flat major, ballads, barcarolles, polonaise fantasias, nocturnes, scherzos, preludes, mazurkas, etc. He also continued to perform in concerts with Francom, Pauline Viardot, Ernst, but much less frequently than before. Frederick usually spent the winter in Paris, in Nohant, and the summer in the estate of Georges Sand. Due to poor health, he spent only one winter (1839-1840) in the south, on the island of Majorca in Spain. It was here that his 24 preludes were completed.
The death of his father and the break with George Sand are two tragic events that Chopin experienced
The biography, briefly described, is supplemented by the following two important events in the composer’s life. First, Chopin's father died in 1844, in May. The composer took his death extremely hard. His health began to cause concern. The second event that occurred in 1847 was the break with George Sand. It completely undermined the composer's strength. A portrait of this woman by the artist Delacroix, painted in 1838, is presented below.
Wanting to leave the city of Paris in order to get rid of everything that resembled what he had experienced here, Frederic went to London in 1848, in April.
The last two years of Chopin's life
The last two years of Frederic Chopin's life passed in excruciating suffering. He practically does not compose music and does not perform at concerts. In 1848, on November 16, it took place last performance in London at a Polish evening. Climate, nervous life, unexpected success- all this undermined the composer’s painful nature, and, returning to Paris, great musician slightly Frederick stops teaching his students. In the winter of 1849, his health suffered a significant deterioration. Neither the arrival of Louis, his beloved sister, in Paris, nor the concerns of his friends bring relief, and he dies after severe agony.
Death of Chopin
The death of Frederic Chopin was a blow to the world of music, and the funeral attracted his many fans. In Paris, at the Père Lachaise cemetery, Chopin was buried. The ashes rest between Bellini and Cherubini. Frederick placed Mozart above other composers. His adoration of the Jupiter symphony and the requiem reached the point of cult. At his funeral, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased, Mozart's requiem was performed by famous artists. The composer’s heart, by his will, was later transported to his homeland, to Warsaw, to the Church of the Holy Cross.
Dance genres in Chopin's works
Chopin's work was inspired by his boundless devotion to his people, his homeland, and the struggle for national liberation. He tapped into the riches of Poland's folk music. Various dance genres occupy a significant place in Chopin's heritage. It should be noted that danceability is one of the integral qualities inherent in musical folk culture Poland. Waltzes, polonaises, mazurkas (which featured the features of three folk dances - oberek, kujawiak and mazura) reveal the connections that exist between Frederick's work and the folk music of Poland in all its diversity. Frederic Chopin, whose biography we have described, showed innovation in their transformation and interpretation. For example, his polonaises significantly expand and democratize this once solemn and ceremonial genre. Mazurkas poeticize and deepen folk dance. Waltzes have the features of Slavic folk dance melody.
Non-dance genres
Chopin also reinterprets various non-dance genres. His sketches are highly artistic creations, where ideological and emotional content is combined with original means of their implementation. Chopin's scherzos are also quite unique compositions. They differ from scherzos, which are used in classical symphony, as well as from the sonata. Ballads - inspired poetic images dramatic plot narratives, full of romantic freedom, contrasts, and diversity of life.
Chopin's musical language
Chopin's genre innovation is organically combined with the novelty of his musical language. was created by Frederick new type melody - flexible, extremely expressive, unfolding continuously, combining various instrumental and vocal, dance and song features. Also, Frederic Chopin, whose biography is described above, revealed new possibilities of harmony. He fused together various elements of Polish folk music with romantic harmony. Chopin strengthened the role of colorful and dynamic elements. His discoveries in the field of polyphony (all voices are saturated with melodic expressiveness) and musical form (the use of the technique of variation development, characteristic of Polish folk music) are very interesting. The innovation of this composer fully affected his performing art. He, like Liszt, made a real revolution in the technique of playing the piano.
The influence of Chopin's work on other composers
Chopin's work as a whole is characterized by clarity of thinking and harmony. His music is far from either isolation, academic coldness, or romantic exaggeration. She is alien to insincerity, fundamentally folk, spontaneous, freedom-loving.
Chopin's biography and his works have inspired many musicians. Frederick's work had a great influence on many generations of composers and performers. The influence of Frederic Chopin's melodic and harmonic language can be traced in the works of Wagner, Liszt, Debussy, Fauré, Albéniz, Grieg, Scriabin, Tchaikovsky, Szymanowski, and Rachmaninoff.
The Meaning of Creativity
Chopin's biography and music are of great interest today, and this is no coincidence. This great composer interpreted many genres in a new way. He revived the prelude on a romantic basis, also created a piano ballad, dramatized and poeticized the dances: waltz, polonaise, mazurka, and turned the scherzo into an independent work. Chopin enriched the piano texture and harmony, combined the classical form with fantasy and melodic richness.
He composed about fifty mazurkas, the prototype of which is a waltz-like Polish folk dance with a three-beat rhythm. These are small plays. In them, harmonic and melodic turns sound Slavic.
Frederic Chopin gave only about thirty public concerts during his life. He performed mostly at his friends' houses. His performing style was very unique. He was distinguished, according to contemporaries, by rhythmic freedom - the prolongation of some sounds due to the fact that others were shortened.
Memory of Frederic Chopin
Every five years in Warsaw, since 1927, international Chopin competitions have been held, in which the most famous pianists participate. In 1934, the Chopin Institute was also organized, called the Society. F. Chopin since 1950. Similar societies also exist in Austria, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. They also existed in France before World War II. In the town of Zhelyaznova Wola, where the composer was born, the Chopin House Museum was opened in 1932.
The International Federation of Societies named after this composer was founded in 1985. In Warsaw in 2010, on March 1, the Frederic Chopin Museum was opened after modernization and reconstruction. This event is dedicated to the bicentenary of his birth. 2010 was also declared the year of Chopin in Poland. This composer, as you can see, is still known, remembered and loved not only in his homeland, but throughout the world.
Chopin's biography and all the dates of events that happened to this great composer were described in our article as fully as possible. In music schools today, the work of this author is included in the compulsory curriculum. However young musicians Chopin's biography is briefly studied. This is enough for children. But in adulthood I want to get to know such interesting composer. Then the biography of Chopin, briefly written for children, no longer satisfies us. That's why we decided to create more detailed description the life and work of this great man. Chopin's biography, a summary of which you can find in various reference books, has been supplemented by us based on various sources. We hope you found the information presented interesting. Now you know what events Chopin’s biography consisted of and what works he wrote. All the best!
Frederic Chopin was a brilliant Polish composer and one of the remarkable pianists of the first half of the 19th century.
His father, a Frenchman by birth, was a tutor in the house of Counts Skarbek, and then a teacher at the Warsaw Lyceum; mother is a Polish woman from impoverished nobles. Chopin studied at the Lyceum, where his father taught, and at the same time attended the Warsaw Main music school. From the very early years He amazed with his exceptional musical talent and, as a nine-year-old boy, was already performing publicly in concerts.
His first piano teacher was the Czech Adalbert Zivny, who was later replaced by the famous Warsaw composer, director of the Main Music School - I. Elsner, the author of a number of popular operas in the Italian style at that time. Chopin also showed early composing abilities, and when he left Warsaw in 1830, already an accomplished and renowned pianist, he had many works in his portfolio, including several published ones. After short stays in Vienna and Munich, where he performed with great success as a pianist, Chopin went to Paris, the center of musical life at that time. He soon took a prominent position among Parisian musicians and entered into friendly relations with the most famous contemporaries: Liszt, Berlioz, Bellini, Meyerbeer, Balzac, G. Heine, Delacroix and others. His acquaintance with George Sand, with whom he was connected by a deep feeling, which was interrupted, largely due to political differences, acquired exceptional significance for him.
Having established himself as a first-class pianist and composer, Chopin became one of the most fashionable piano teachers in aristocratic Polish and French houses. As a virtuoso, he performed very rarely and then mainly in salons - in small rooms in front of a small, “selected” audience. One of the reasons for this reticence in the field concert activities There was a weakness in his health, which led to severe pulmonary disease. The last years of his life were essentially a painful withering away. Chopin died and was buried in Paris.
With the exception of very few works, Chopin wrote only for piano.
Friends insisted that Chopin move from purely piano work to composing large symphonic works and, above all, create a genuine folk opera. But he was still limited exclusively to the sphere of the piano. And this was not accidental. Large forms of symphonic or operatic creativity, designed for a wide audience, remained alien to him, therefore, an impossible task. However, without leaving the aristocratic salon, he turned the piano into an orchestra. With ingenious ingenuity, he discovered the widest range of colorful possibilities of piano sounds, achieving a mastery of modern pianism that has been unsurpassed to this day. Chopin was able to extract from this instrument both powerful sounds, not inferior in their impression to orchestral ones, and the most delicate shades, reflecting the subtlest psychological movements. On the other hand: the songfulness, built on Polish folk intonations, makes Chopin’s works understandable to the mass listener.
The prevailing opinion that Chopin's work is generally sentimental is one-sided. Chopin did not ignore the influences of that sensitive movement that is characteristic of all art of the first quarter of the 19th century. Elements of this trend can be found in all of Chopin's works. Basically, they are characteristic of the first period of his work, when he had not yet freed himself from the influences of Field, Hummel and Italian opera composers (Rossini and others). In the best works of the middle and late period of his work, in ballads, polonaises, scherzos and preludes, sentimentalism sometimes gives way to genuine tragedy rooted in Polish romantic heroics.
Chopin's influence on musical creativity huge. This influence was manifested in the development of the harmonic style of European music and musical form in general. It is noticeable in the harmonies of Wagner's Tristan and in Liszt's major piano and orchestral works. It is difficult to find a composer in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries who was not influenced by Chopin to one degree or another. In the history of Russian music, it most clearly affected the work of Scriabin and his followers.
lista rozdziałów
- Fryderyk Chopin. Brzmi znajomo, prawda?
- Nie tylko muzyka
- Sercem zawsze w kraju
No one needs to explain who Frederic Chopin was, but many associate him primarily with book illustration monument erected in the Royal Lazienki Park, which represents the composer sitting thoughtfully in the shade of a willow, tousled by the wind. But Frederic Chopin is a world-famous resident of Warsaw, and if he lived at the present time, then Facebook he would undoubtedly have thousands of fans.
Prodigy
Frederic Chopin was born in 1810 in the village of Zhelazova-Wola. The exact date of his birth is unknown, since two dates appear in historical chronicles: February 22 and March 1.
When Frederic was a few months old, the Chopin family moved to Warsaw. They changed their place of residence several times, but always settled in the vicinity of Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, where it is still bustling today cultural life Warsaw.
Frederick grew up in a musical house, where one could often hear singing and playing musical instruments: piano, flute or violin. Therefore, it is not surprising that he began making his first musical attempts already in childhood. From the age of six, Frederic began taking regular piano lessons. His first teacher was Wojciech Zywny, pianist Czech origin, who very quickly recognized his talent.
Frederick was admired in the salons of the Warsaw aristocracy. The capital's newspapers admired the boy who composed his first works before he was eight years old!
Tekla Justina Chopin(1782-1861), mother of Frederick. Jan Zamoyski, oil on canvas, 1969 Source: NIFSH.
Nikolai Chopin(1771-1844), father of Frederick. Jan Zamoyski, oil on canvas, 1969 Source: NIFSH.
Frederic Chopin(1810-1849). Maximilian Faience, lithograph after Ary Schaeffer, 19th century. Source: NIFSH.
Ludwika Marianne Chopin(1807-1855), sister of Frederica. Jan Zamoyski, oil on canvas, 1969 Source: NIFSH.
Justina Isabella Chopin(1811-1881), sister of Frederica. Jan Zamoyski, oil on canvas, 1969 Source: NIFSH.
Emilia Chopin(1812-1827), sister of Frederica. Miniature on ivory by unknown artist. Source: NIFSH.
Mysterious date of birth
Despite the fact that we know a lot about Chopin's biography, we cannot name the exact date his birth. Two contradictory information appears in the sources. In the Parish metric book of the church in the village. Brochow the date given is February 22, 1810, although the date March 1 is more likely, it was on this day that Frederick’s mother wished him a happy birthday. But we will never know how it really happened.
Relocations of the Chopin family
The Chopin family changed their place of residence many times, thanks to which it is still easy to find traces of their stay in many places, primarily in the vicinity of Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. After arriving in Warsaw, the Chopin family stayed for some time in a stone house, which now houses the Chief Scientific book Shop them. Boleslav Prus. Then the composer's family moved to the Saxon Palace, where Nikolai Chopin, who worked as a teacher at the Warsaw Lyceum, received a service apartment. The move of the Lyceum meant another change of residence for the Chopin family. For 10 years they occupied a large and comfortable apartment located on the campus of the University of Warsaw. Death of Emilia younger sister Frederica, became family tragedy, which forced the family to leave the place that evoked painful memories and rent an apartment in the Czapski Palace. For Frederick, who was then seventeen years old, this was important event, since he got his first private room there.
The student surpassed the master
Wojciech Zywny was the first teacher who initiated Chopin into the secrets of playing the piano. Their relationship was very close - the teacher and student not only worked on improving their pianistic skills, but also played cards and talked about Polish history, improvised. Zhivyny became very attached to the Chopin family and was greatly impressed by the talent of his pupil. After six years of teaching Frederick, he stopped teaching, recognizing that the student's abilities had surpassed his own teaching capabilities.
Valuable gifts
The great singer Angelica Catalani was so delighted with the talent of little Chopin that, as a sign of recognition, she gave him a gold pocket watch with a dedicatory inscription: “January 3, 1820 - to ten-year-old Frederic.” Today the clock can be seen in the Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Warsaw. A few years later, Frederick played in the Church of the Holy Trinity for Tsar Alexander I on a new instrument - the eolimelodicon. The sovereign, delighted with the performance of the young performer, presented him with a diamond ring.
Eight-year-old boy's debut
On February 24, 1818, an eight-year-old boy made his debut at the Radziwill Palace, delighting the audience with a piano concert. Young Frederic Chopin performed in front of an audience for the first time in his life. The organizer was the Warsaw Charity Society, and in addition to Chopin, other Polish and foreign artists also appeared on stage. The young composer was convinced that the reason for this success was his new lace collar...
Not only music
Everyone associates the name “Chopin” with music, but we must remember that Frederic’s life was filled with activities typical of boys of his age. After completing home schooling, he entered the Warsaw Lyceum, which enjoyed an excellent reputation. There he not only received comprehensive development, but also made friends with whom he maintained relationships throughout his life.
Schoolmates loved Frederick very much for his gentle disposition, good sense of humor and acting abilities: with gestures and facial expressions, he perfectly parodied various people. Co school friends he maintained the relationship until the end of his life, as evidenced by the correspondence he left behind.
He usually spent his holidays in the village, where he walked, hunted, and took part in village amusements.
A few years later, already as a student at the Main School of Music, Frederic met with friends in fashionable coffee houses at the time, went on first dates, and skated on a frozen river.
Unfortunately, quite early on Frederic developed health problems that required treatment and limited the life of young Chopin. But he knew how to approach this calmly and with his characteristic sense of humor.
Where did Chopin study?
In Chopin's time it was very common home schooling. Frederick studied at home until the age of 13, and then entered the Warsaw Lyceum. I went straight to the 4th grade, and three years later began studying at Main school of Music at the Faculty of Sciences and Fine Arts of the Royal Warsaw University. He went to lectures through the university campus, and to practical classes at the Conservatory, which was located in a building between Royal castle and the Church of St. Anna.
Friendship with Titus
Titus Wojciechowski was one of the pupils of the Chopin boarding house and a close friend of Frederic. Both studied at the Warsaw Lyceum and took piano lessons from Wojciech Zywny. In 1830 they went to Vienna together, and after separation they exchanged letters. Chopin dedicated variations in B major op. to his friend. 2 on the theme “Là ci darem la mano” from the opera “Don Giovanni” by W. A. Mozart.
Country rumors
Eighteen-year-old Frederick probably remembered well the love affair into which he was accidentally drawn during his vacation in the village of Sanniki. There he spent a lot of time with the governess Prushakov. At this time, she became pregnant and those around her suspected that Frederick was the father. The situation quickly became clear, and Chopin eventually became the child's godfather. He summed up the whole story wittily: “(...) I went out into the garden for a walk with the governess. But just for a walk and nothing more. She's not exciting. I, a bungler, had no appetite, fortunately for me.”
Warsaw coffee shops
Chopin loved spending time in Warsaw coffee houses. His favorites included the theater coffee shop "Pod Kopciuszkiem", the small "Dziurka" and the cult "Honoratka". Almost every day, Frederick also appeared at the U Brzezińskiej cafe, where he came for morning coffee or evening punch. The composer loved this place so much that even on the day of his departure from Poland he came here for a farewell visit.
First love
Constance Gladkovskaya was the same age as Chopin and his first love. They met when they were 19 years old at a concert of soloists of the Warsaw Conservatory. Frederic was delighted by the blonde with the beautiful voice. Subsequently, he repeatedly accompanied her, which aroused the approval of the girl’s teachers. It is difficult to say whether Constance reciprocated Chopin's feelings. Some argue that she sensed Frederick's genius and did not want to be a burden to him. The acquaintance of the young artists lasted a year and a half, until Chopin left Poland. On this occasion, Constance sang an aria from Rossini’s “The Virgin of the Lake” and wrote a poem in his album. After Frederick left his homeland, they wrote letters to each other for another year.
Leeches instead of aspirin
Frederick, unfortunately, was never completely healthy. It is possible that for many it will be a complete surprise how he was treated for an infection acquired at the funeral of Stanislav Staszic. Fritz, then sixteen years old, was given leeches. For centuries, this method has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases.
My heart is always in my homeland
Shortly after graduating from the Warsaw Main School of Music, Frederic began a new stage in his life. In 1830, he went to Vienna, where he was caught by the news of the beginning of the November uprising. He was very homesick, but his family convinced him not to return. Frederic went to Paris and quickly found himself among the most outstanding personalities French capital. His popularity is evidenced by the words of the Polish violinist and composer Antony Orlovsky: “He turned the heads of all French women, which makes men jealous. It is now in fashion, and soon gloves a la Chopin will see the light of day.”
Chopin lived in Paris until his death. He died at the age of 39, most likely from tuberculosis. The composer was buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery. Chopin’s heart, according to his will, was transported to Warsaw by the composer’s sister Ludwika.
Women in Chopin's life
Women always played an important role in Chopin's life. They were connected to Frederick by family ties, friendship or love. One of them was the beautiful Delphine Pototskaya, who introduced the composer to the world of the French aristocracy and was a frequent guest in his Parisian home. In 1836, Chopin proposed to Maria Wodzyńska, but their engagement did not end in marriage, and the couple separated under rather unclear circumstances. Chopin also had a strong feeling for the writer George Sand. Their union lasted eight years and greatly influenced Frederick's work.
The Heart of Frederic Chopin
Chopin's wish was that after his death his body be sent to Poland, but this was impossible due to the political situation. Thanks to the efforts of Chopin's loved ones, his heart was removed during autopsy, placed in a hermetic vessel, preserved in alcohol and transported from France by his elder sister Ludwika. Chopin's heart rested forever in the Church of St. Cross 96 years after the death of the composer. An examination carried out in 2014 showed that, despite the passage of almost 200 years, Chopin's heart is still in very good condition.
