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1810 to 1849 |
His life
Polish by birth, Chopin moved permanently to Paris where he made a name for himself as a virtuoso pianist and composer of piano pieces. Although living far from his homeland, he continued to identify closely with Poland, despairing when it was overrun by the Russian Tsar.
Chopin made use of the many innovations which the piano had recently undergone. The new piano of his time had a greater range in both pitch and dynamics, and pedals were added to vary its tone color.
While in Paris, Chopin had a relationship with the woman novelist George Sand. By the time his relationship with her ended, he was seriously ill with tuberculosis.
His Works
Chopin wrote almost exclusively for the piano. His major compositions include waltzes, etudes and Polish dances such as mazurkas. Two of his best known pieces are the Minute Waltz and the Funeral March from his second piano sonata.