Possessing a rare musical gift, Chopin focused his work mainly on piano music. But what he created in this genre deserves only one assessment - this is the creation of a brilliant composer.
His works are included in the repertoires of pianists around the world.
Chopin created only two piano concertos, everything else was written by him within the framework chamber genre. But everything written is a story about his beloved Poland, where he was born, developed his talent and left it so early: hoping - not for long, it turned out - forever.
Biography of F. Chopin
Childhood
In the Chopin family, all children were gifted: sisters Ludvika,Isabel And Emilia had versatile, including musical, abilities. Ludwika was even his first music teacher, and in the future there was a very warm and trusting relationship between brother and sister. Mother (Yustyna Kzhizhanovskaya) possessed remarkable musical abilities, sang well and played the piano. She managed to instill in the boy a love for folk Polish tunes. Father(Nicolas Chopin, French by birth) owned foreign languages and maintained a boarding school for pupils of the lyceum. The atmosphere of love and mutual assistance reigned in the family, the children were surrounded by attention and care, this was especially true for Frederick.
He was born in the village Zhelyazova 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 autumn of 1810, the family moved to Warsaw, but the boy often came to Zhelyazova Wola for the holidays. During the First World War, the estate was destroyed, and in 1926 the building was restored. Now here is a museum, which hosts concerts in the summer, which attract pianists from all over the world.
Youth
Having shown extraordinary musical ability already in early childhood, Chopin was very receptive to music: he could cry while listening to music, endlessly improvise on the piano, striking listeners with his natural pianism. At the age of 8, he composed his first musical piece, Polonaise, which was published in a rave review in a Warsaw newspaper: “ The author of this "Polonaise" is a student who is not yet 8 years old. This is a real 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 was born in France or Germany, he would attract more attention to himself».
The young Chopin was taught music by a pianist, a Czech by birth, he began to study with a 9-year-old boy, and by the age of 12 Chopin was not inferior to the best Polish pianists, and Zhivny refused to study with him, saying that he could not teach him anything else. Then Chopin continued his theoretical studies with the composer Josef Elsner, Polish composer German descent. By this time, the young Frederic Chopin had matured into a charming man with refined manners, which attracted the special attention of others to him. Enough complete characteristic Chopin of that time belongs to the composer F. Liszt: « The general impression of his personality was quite calm, harmonious and did not seem to require additions in any comments. Blue eyes Chopin shone more with intelligence than they were veiled with thoughtfulness; his soft and thin smile never turned bitter or sarcastic. The subtlety and transparency of the color of his face tempted everyone; he had curly blond hair, a slightly rounded nose; he was of small stature, frail, thin build. His manners were refined, 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 met and received like a prince ... to no interests. Chopin was usually cheerful; his sharp mind quickly found the funny even in such manifestations that not everyone catches the eye.
His musical and general development was also facilitated by trips to Berlin, Dresden, Prague, where he attended concerts of outstanding musicians.
Artistic activity of Chopin
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 began against the authorities Russian Empire on the territory of the Kingdom of Poland, Lithuania, partly Belarus and Right-Bank Ukraine. It lasted until October 21st. 1831. under the slogan of restoring an independent "historical Commonwealth" within the borders of 1772.
On November 30, the Administrative Council met: the entourage of Nicholas I was at a loss. “Nicholas, the King of Poland, is waging war with Nicholas, the Emperor of All Russia,” the Minister of Finance Lyubetsky described the situation in this way. On the same day, General Khlopitsky was appointed commander in chief.
G. Wunder "Nicholas I informs the guards about the uprising in Poland"
Two wings of movement immediately appeared: the left and the right. The left saw the Polish movement as part of a pan-European liberation movement. The right tended 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 it, influence passed to the side of the right. General Khlopitsky, who was appointed commander-in-chief of the army, was also on the 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 Kingdom of Poland was declared a part of Russia, the Sejm and the Polish army were abolished. The administrative division into voivodeships was replaced by division into provinces. In fact, this meant the adoption of a course towards the transformation of the Kingdom of Poland into a Russian province - the monetary system operating throughout Russia, the system of measures and weights 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 the persecution of the authorities of the Russian Empire, fled outside the Kingdom of Poland. They settled in different countries Europe, causing sympathy in society, which exerted appropriate pressure on governments and parliaments. It was the Polish emigrants who tried to create for Russia an extremely unattractive image of a strangler of freedoms and a hotbed of despotism that threatens "civilized Europe." Polonophilia and Russophobia since the early 1830s have become important components of the European public opinion».
A detailed story about this historical event is necessary to make it easier to understand the reason for Chopin's forced separation from his homeland, which he loved very much and missed so much.
When in 1830 the news came 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 began to gather, but on the way to Poland he found out: the uprising was crushed. In some way, his parents were also involved in the uprising, hiding the 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 old.
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.
In their first meeting, he did not like her: “What an unsympathetic woman this Sand is. And is she a woman, I am ready to doubt it! - he remarked to the owner of the salon where their meeting took place. At that time, George Sand, a well-known writer throughout Paris, wore a man's suit, which was complemented by high boots and a cigar in her mouth. During this period, Chopin was going through a breakup with his fiancee Maria Wodzińska. Hoping that the climate of Mallorca will have a beneficial effect on Chopin's health, Sand, along with him and the children, leaves there for the winter. But the rainy season began, and Chopin developed coughing fits. In February they returned to France. From now on, George Sand wants to live only for children, Chopin and his work. But the differences in their characters and passions were too great, besides, Chopin was tormented by jealousy: he understood the character of George Sand quite well. As a result, their mutual affection could not last. Sand quickly realized that Chopin was dangerously ill and devotedly cared for his health. But no matter how his situation improved, Chopin's character, his illness and his work did not allow him to be in a calm state for a long time. Of this vulnerable nature, Heinrich Heine wrote: This is a man of extraordinary sensitivity: the slightest touch to him is a wound, the slightest noise is a thunderclap; a person who recognizes only face-to-face conversation, who has gone into some kind of mysterious life and only occasionally manifests himself in some irrepressible antics, charming and funny».
M. Wodzińska "Portrait of Chopin"
IN 1846 There was a conflict between the son of George Sand Maurice and Chopin, Maurice decided to leave home. And when she took the side of her son, Chopin accused her of falling out of love with him. In November 1846 Chopin left the house of George Sand. Perhaps after some time their reconciliation would have taken place, but the daughter of the writer, 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, slanders her, blackens her most holy motives, defiles her home with terrible speeches! You like to hear it all and maybe even believe it. I will not enter into such a struggle, it terrifies me. I prefer to see you in a hostile camp than to defend myself against an adversary who is fed by my breast and my milk.
George Sand died at the age of 72. Even after parting with Chopin, she remained true to herself: when she was 60 years old, her lover was the 39-year-old artist Charles Marshal, 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 distract himself from all the events connected with Paris. This turned out to be his last trip. Here, too, he was a complete success, but the nervous, stressful life, the damp British climate and the periodically exacerbated chronic lung disease finally undermined his strength. Returning to Paris, Chopin died on October 17 1849
About him deeply mourned all music world. Thousands of fans of his work gathered at the funeral. According to his wish, Mozart's Requiem (his favorite composer) was performed at the funeral.
Chopin is buried in the cemetery Pere Lachaise(between the graves of the composers Cherubini and Bellini). Chopin's heart, according to his will, was sent to Warsaw, where immured 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 gave concerts, but in the salons with the Polish audience and the French aristocracy, his fame was very high. He also loved teaching, which is extremely rare among great pianists, many, on the contrary, shy away from it. teaching activities considering it painful.
All of Chopin's work is dedicated to his homeland - Poland.
- a solemn dance procession at a moderate pace, of Polish origin. It was performed, as a rule, at the beginning of the 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 its tragic past. In these works he uses best features Polish folk epic. At the same time, Chopin's music is exceptionally original, distinguished by bold figurativeness and simplicity of design. By this time to replace 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 –mazury, for whom this dance appeared for the first time. The time signature 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 tunes, giving them a poetic form. Waltz, polonaise And mazurka he made himself musical form, combining classicism with melodic richness, grace and technical perfection. In addition, he wrote many scherzo, impromptu, nocturnes, sketches, preludes and other works for pianoforte.
The best works of Chopin include sketches. Usually etudes were works that contributed to the pianist's technical perfection. But Chopin managed to reveal his amazing poetic world. His sketches are distinguished by youthful impulsiveness, drama and even tragedy.
Musicologists believe that waltzes Chopin can be regarded as his original "lyrical diary", they are clearly autobiographical in nature. Distinguished by deep isolation, Chopin reveals himself in his lyrical works. His works are loved and performed all over the world, and the composer is called the "Piano Poet".
Viktor Bokov
CHOPIN'S HEART
Chopin's heart in the Church of the Holy Cross.
Closely to him in a walled stone urn.
The owner would get up, and immediately from the sheet
Waltzes, etudes, nocturnes would fly into the world.
Chopin's heart in fascist, black days
Black pogromists and executioners did not get it.
Near ancestors and near close relatives
Chopin's heart grew together with the roots of trees.
How did you not burst, heart
Chopin? Answer!
How did your people survive in this unequal battle?
Together with your native Warsaw, you could burn,
Would stop you gunshot wounds!
You survived!
You beat in the chest of the Varsovians,
On a 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, I earnestly pray to you
Near the candles, giving the glow of the body.
If you let me, I'll pour all my blood
I will be your donor
Just keep doing your job!
Chopin monument in Warsaw
Frederic Chopin, is famous musician, composer and pianist, not only in Poland, but in all countries of the world. Full name and surname, Frederic Chopin sounds like Fryderyk Franciszek, and in French Frederic Francois. Basically, Chopin created his musical works in a lyrical style. Frederick very subtly conveyed any mood in music.
Biography of Frederic Chopin
The famous musician was born on March 1, 1810. In a small village called Zhelyazova Volya, not far from Sokhachev. In the family, the boy had Polish and French roots. The father of the family, whose name was Mikolay Chopin, was French by nationality, but being sixteen years old, he decided to move and completely connect his life with Poland. And Mikolay never returned to his homeland, moreover, he did not even keep in touch with his French family. And he raised all his children as Poles. The man worked in the Manor owned by Count Skarbek. His job was to educate and educate children.
Frederic Chopin's Education
Frederic Chopin began to show his interest in music at a pretty early age. early age. At first, the boy was even called the second Mozart. When Frederic was only about seven years old, he had already written two polonaises by that time, one called g-moll, and the second B-dur. The first g-moll polonaise was published immediately after it was written. Articles in the Warsaw newspapers about the new talent that had appeared began to scatter at the speed of light. “Mały Chopinek”, which means “Little Chopinek”, becomes the main highlight in the richest salons in Warsaw. Frederic Chopin at a young age often performs at various charity concerts. In 1816 for the first time professional lessons in piano, for six years, Frederik receives from Wojciech Zivny. Wojciech taught on the basis of the music of the legendary Sebastian Bach, as well as others Viennese classics. Further, in 1822, Frederic Chopin took private lessons from the then very famous Polish composer Jozef Elsner. In 1823, the guy enters the Warsaw Lyceum. While studying at the Lyceum, he wrote his first creation, a sonata called c-moll. Later, three years later, Frederic Chopin continues his studies at the main school of music in the capital. He chooses a faculty that teaches music theory, harmony and composition. Chopin studied at this school, also for three years. During his studies, the still rather young composer wrote a Variation (for piano and orchestra) on the theme of a duet, from the opera by Mozart himself, called Don Giovanni. He also writes Fantasia op.13 on the theme of Poland, and the famous g-moll. He graduated from the Chopin school of music perfectly, moreover, he was even officially awarded the characteristic "musical genius".
The Life of Frederic Chopin
In 1829, immediately after the guy finishes his studies at the school of music, in July he leaves with a group of his friends on an excursion to Austria, or rather to the city of Vienna. Wurfel invites Chopin to musical society. Thanks to this, Frederick twice gives concerts at the Kartnerthortheate, together with the orchestra he plays Variations op.2 after Mozart, as well as Rondo a la Krakowiak op.14. And now Frederic, already outside the borders of his country, is gaining the gratitude of the audience and creative success. Although Chopin was criticized, but only for a rather weak sound delivery, and the most serious critics were simply delighted with his compositions. After such success, in 1830, famous critic Tobias Haslinger, decides to publish Variations on a Theme by Mozart. By the way, this was his first foreign publication, earlier Frederick's creations were published only in Warsaw. Publications are noticed by a famous German composer, as well as concurrently musical critic, whose name was Robert Schumann, he speaks of Chopin with enthusiasm.
Then Frederic returns back to Warsaw, he has a lot of free time, which he previously spent on his studies, and the composer, with even greater zeal, takes up writing new masterpieces. He writes many works, including two Piano Concertos in e-moll and f-moll. A very big inspiration for Frederic Chopin was that the guy fell in love with a student at the conservatory who studied vocals, this girl's name was Constance Gladkovskaya. experiencing strong feelings to Constance, the composer writes the Concerto in f-moll. Also, under the inspiration of his feelings, he writes nocturne, various studies, waltzes, as well as mazurkas. Even during this period, he writes songs, the words for which were composed by Stefan Witwicki.
In the autumn, in October 1830, Frederic Chopin performs his concerto e-moll, at a solemn farewell concert, which took place in National Theater. Frederick's beloved Constance Gladkowska also performed there. Approximately a month later, in November, Chopin, together with his friend, whose name was Tytus Wojciechowski, decides to move to Austria, with the intention of then going to Italy. Frederick, being in Vienna for only a couple of days, learns the unpleasant news that the Polish uprising (which is also called the November uprising) has begun. This rebellion was against the fact that the Polish kingdom was dependent on Russia, and the people did not want to see the king on the Polish throne. Chopin takes these events to heart and pours his emotions into his new piece, which is known to everyone as "Revolutionary Etude". The composer is not able to go to Italy, as he planned, because there, at that time, there were fighting, against Austria. And since Frederick strongly supported Polish independence, due to the events taking place in Poland, he was also in no hurry to Warsaw. Therefore, he decides to go to France, to the city of Paris.
And already in the autumn in 1831, Frederic gradually settled in Paris. There they learn about him as a famous pianist and talented teacher. Chopin falls into the highest circles of the metropolitan aristocracy. He meets many great pianists there, among them Pleyel and Kalkbrenner, who help Chopin settle in the city. He also begins to communicate closely with Francois Joseph Fetis, this man is a well-known musicologist and composer from Belgium. Also, his circle of contacts includes such famous personalities as: composer Franz Liszt, painter Eugene Delacroix, writer Heinrich Heinu. Another Polish composer met and subsequently became close friends with Prince Adam Czartoryski. In the same place, Frederic joins the Polish Literary Association.
In 1835, the composer traveled to Germany to meet Felix Mendelssohn and also Schumann. Later, in the summer of 1837, he went to England, to the city of London. Then he finds his life partner, this girl becomes the famous French writer, whose name was George Sand. Frederick is six years younger than his chosen one, Georges was divorced and already had two children at that time, she wrote wonderful stories as an author. Chopin found in this woman everything that he lacked so much, Georges was gentle, caring and faithful. In the winter from 1837 to 1838, the lovers live in an ancient monastery right in the mountains, which is located on an island called Mallorca. Fate presents the composer with a very unpleasant surprise. Frederick becomes very ill. After a while, Chopin learns that he is ill with a serious illness, pulmonary tuberculosis. Every day the disease progressed, so that the musician became very weak and could even hardly leave the house. All this time, his beloved, Georges, was next to him. But, even despite a serious illness, insane weakness, he still works hard and creates his wonderful works. Among them are the cycle of 24 Preludes, the Ballade in F-dur, the Polonaise in c-moll, and also Scherzo in cis-moll. After ten years spent together with Georges, they decide to disperse. After that, the health of Frederic Chopin deteriorates sharply. In March 1839, the composer was undergoing treatment in Marseille.
In the winter of 1848, Chopin performs last time, with his concert in the capital of France. Then he has to go to the UK. He's been there for about half a year. To occupy himself somehow and distract from a serious illness, he performs in aristocratic salons, teaches lessons there. He even plays for Queen Victoria herself.
Then he returned to Paris again, as his strength began to leave him altogether, where he writes his latest work, entitled Mazurka f-moll Op. 68.4. In the summer, his sister Luisa Yendzheevich moves from Poland to Frederik to help her sick brother.
But in the autumn of October 17, in 1849, the irreparable happens. Frederic Chopin passes away in his home, which was located on Place Vendôme. The great composer was buried in Paris, in the church of Mary Magdalene. There were three thousand people at this sad event. He was buried in the Pere Lachaise cemetery in the city of Paris. At the funeral they sounded his own h-moll preludes from Op. 28, as well as e-moll. Also the orchestra naturally played funeral march the great Frederic Chopin. The final wish of the composer Frederic Chopin was to have his heart buried in Poland. This wish was fulfilled by his own sister, she took his heart to Warsaw, where he was walled up in the walls of the Church of the Holy Cross.
Name: Frederic Chopin
Age: 39 years old
Place of Birth: Zielyazova Wola, Poland
A place of death: Paris, France
Activity: Polish composer, pianist, teacher
Family status: not married
Frederic Chopin - Biography
Polish composer who created works for the piano that formed the basis of learning to play the piano. In the arsenal of compositions, Chopin does not have music for orchestra composed by him, but this does not detract from his skill as the creator of the Polish musical school of piano playing.
Childhood, composer's family
Frederick's father was a teacher who was often hired as a tutor for the children. mother was intelligent noble origin. Music and poetry are the two main art forms, which were given great attention in the family. In the family, in addition to the only son, there were three girls. Only the boy inherited from his mother the ability to play the piano: she knew how to sing and play the piano beautifully. The whole biography of Chopin, as a composer, was formed thanks to the upbringing laid down in him by his parents. Musical instrument he did not tire the boy for hours, he gladly learned new works, picking up familiar melodies.
From the age of five, the child had already performed with concerts, at the age of seven he was assigned to the well-known pianist Wojciech Zhivny in Poland, who managed to make a piano virtuoso out of a gifted child in five years. In parallel, he was taught composition by Józef Elsner. The young man loves to travel, visit theaters in Berlin, Prague and Dresden. Chopin came to Russia, conquered Alexander I with his playing, and was awarded the imperial diamond ring. Fate favored the gifted young man and entered many successful moments of the musician's life into the pages of his biography.
Concert activity of Chopin
The concerts that made Chopin popular, he begins to give from the age of nineteen. Warsaw and Krakow applauded the talent. The musician goes on tour to Germany, where he learns that an uprising, in favor of which he always spoke out, was suppressed in his homeland. It was impossible to return to Poland, and Frederick was hiding in Paris. The musician is applauded by Vienna and the entire capital of France. Many famous composers admired the musical genius of Chopin. Among them were a German and Hungarian composer Franz Liszt.
Chopin's work
The fate of the Motherland excites the composer, and he composed 4 ballads about his beloved country based on the verses of Adam Mickiewicz. He did not limit himself to this and wrote dance melodies, offering admirers of his talent mazurkas, waltzes, polonaises. He is autobiographical in his music, at the same time bringing it closer to folk music.
In his composition and performance, the nocturne familiar to everyone sounds in a new way. Now it's not a quiet night song. This is a description of nature with deep lyrical overtones with tragic experiences of the composer. During the period of Chopin's passion for Bach's work, he created twenty-four preludes, which also expand the possibilities of this classical musical work.
Pedagogical activity of the composer
The Polish composer showed himself as a brilliant creator unique methodology, which began to be used in teaching young pianists. The teacher had many pupils and pupils, but only one name entered the history of Polish music: the pianist and music editor Adolf Gutman. Chopin had many friends among real masters in the field of literature, painting and photography. Most of them created portraits of the composer.
Frederic Chopin - biography of personal life
In the personal life of the composer, not everything was as cloudless as in his work. She was full of tragedy. Frederick inherited from his mother a sensitive, tender and vulnerable soul. But he did not find happiness and peace in his women. The first to whom he opened his heart was the young Maria Wodzińska, born in the same way as him, in Poland. An engagement took place, after which the bride's parents decided to make sure that their daughter's fiancé was wealthy. The financial well-being of the composer seemed insufficient to them, and the wedding did not take place. Chopin reflected all his grief in music.
A year later, he became interested in the baroness. She went to men's suit, was an ardent feminist, wrote novels, signing them "George Sand". At the time of her acquaintance with the composer, she was 33 years old, and Frederick was 27 years old. The relationship was hidden from the public for a long time. Meetings of lovers took place on the island of Mallorca, the climate and tension in relations caused Chopin to weaken his body, he fell ill with tuberculosis. This pair noted strong will imperious countess, and spinelessness and subordination of the young composer.
Chopin's death
Frederic Chopin was getting worse. The final break with his beloved plunged the musician into despondency, but he undertakes a trip to the UK with concerts. On the journey, he was accompanied by a student, Jane Stirling. After returning to Paris, he gave several more musical performances, fell ill and did not get out of bed until his death.
Frederic Francois Chopin Born on March 1 (or February 22), 1810 in the village of Zhelyazova-Wola, near Warsaw - died on October 17, 1849 in Paris. Polish composer and virtuoso pianist, teacher.
Author of numerous works for piano. The largest representative Polish musical art. He interpreted many genres in a new way: he revived the prelude on a romantic basis, created a piano ballad, poeticized and dramatized dances - mazurka, polonaise, waltz; turned the scherzo into independent work. Enriched harmony and piano texture; combined classic form with melodic richness and fantasy.
Chopin's compositions include 2 concertos (1829, 1830), 3 sonatas (1828-1844), fantasy (1842), 4 ballads (1835-1842), 4 scherzos (1832-1842), impromptu, nocturnes, etudes, waltzes, mazurkas, polonaises, preludes and other works for piano, songs.
Chopin, before leaving for the west, lived on the territory that was part of the Russian Empire, due to the fact that Poland ceased to exist as a state back in 1795, and Warsaw, following the results of the Napoleonic Wars, was located on the territory that had ceded to the Russian Empire.
In 1830, news arrived that an uprising for independence had broken out in Poland. Chopin dreams of returning to his homeland and taking part in the battles. The preparations are over, but on the way to Poland he was caught by terrible news: the uprising was crushed, the leader was taken prisoner. Chopin deeply believed that his music would help his native people achieve victory. "Poland will be brilliant, powerful, independent!" - so he wrote in his diary. Last concert on the public of Frederic Chopin took place on November 16, 1848 in London. The composer bequeathed that his heart be transported to Poland after his death.
The composer's father, Nicolas Chopin (1771-1844), from a simple family, moved from France to Poland in his youth.
Since 1802, he lived on the estate of Count Skarbek Zhelyazov-Vol, where he worked as a teacher of the count's children.
In 1806 Nicolas Chopin married Justine Krzyzanowska (1782-1861), a distant relative of the Skarbeks Tekla. The Krzyzhanovski (Krzhizhanovski) family of the Pig coat of arms dates back to the 14th century and owned the village of Krzyzhanovo near Koscyan.
Vladimir Krzhizhanovsky, the nephew of Justina Krzyzhanovskaya, also belonged to the Krzyzhanovsky family. According to the surviving testimonies, the composer's mother received a good education, spoke French, was extremely musical, played the piano well, possessed beautiful voice. Frederick owes his first musical impressions to his mother, the love of folk melodies instilled from infancy.
In the autumn of 1810, some time after the birth of his son, Nicolas Chopin moved to Warsaw. In the Warsaw Lyceum, thanks to the patronage of the Skarbeks, he got a place after the death of the teacher, Pan Mahe. Chopin was a French and German teacher and French literature, maintained a boarding school for pupils of the lyceum.
The intelligence and sensitivity of the parents soldered all family members with love and had a beneficial effect on the development of gifted children. In addition to Frederic, there were three sisters in the Chopin family: the eldest, Ludwika, married to Endzheevich, who was his especially close and devoted friend, and the younger sisters, Isabella and Emilia. The sisters had versatile abilities, and Emilia, who died early, had an outstanding literary talent.
Already in childhood, Chopin showed extraordinary musical abilities. He was surrounded by special attention and care. Likewise, he amazed those around him with musical "obsession", inexhaustible fantasy in improvisations, and innate pianism. His susceptibility and musical impressionability manifested themselves violently and unusually. He could cry while listening to music, jump up at night to pick up a memorable melody or chord on the piano.
In its January issue for 1818, one of the Warsaw newspapers placed a few lines about the first musical piece, composed by the composer, students still in primary school. “The author of this Polonaise,” the newspaper wrote, “is a student who is not yet 8 years old. This is a real genius of music, with the greatest ease and exceptional taste. He performs the most difficult piano pieces and composes dances and variations that delight connoisseurs and connoisseurs. If this child prodigy had been born in France or Germany, he would have drawn more attention to himself.
The young Chopin was taught music, placing great hopes on him. The pianist Wojciech Zhivny (1756-1842), a Czech by birth, began to study with a 7-year-old boy. The classes were serious, despite the fact that Chopin, in addition, studied at one of the Warsaw schools. The boy's performing talent developed so rapidly that by the age of twelve, Chopin was not inferior to the best Polish pianists. Zhivny refused to study with the young virtuoso, saying that he could teach him nothing more.
After graduating from college and completing seven years of studies with Zhivny, Chopin began his theoretical studies with the composer Josef Elsner.
The patronage of Prince Anton Radziwill and the princes Chetvertinsky introduced Chopin into high society, who was impressed by the charming appearance and refined manners of Chopin.
Here is what Franz Liszt said about it: “The general impression of his personality was quite calm, harmonious and did not seem to require additions in any comments. Chopin's blue eyes shone more with intelligence than they were veiled with thoughtfulness; his soft and thin smile never turned bitter or sarcastic. The subtlety and transparency of the color of his face tempted everyone; he had curly blond hair, a slightly rounded nose; he was of small stature, frail, thin build. His manners were refined, varied; the voice is a little tired, often muffled. His manners were full of such decency, they had such a seal of blood aristocracy that he was involuntarily met and received like a prince ... to no interests. Chopin was usually cheerful; his sharp mind quickly found the funny even in such manifestations that not everyone catches the eye..
Trips to Berlin, Dresden, Prague, where he attended concerts of outstanding musicians, contributed to his development.
Since 1829, Chopin's artistic activity began. He performs in Vienna, Krakow, performing his works. Returning to Warsaw, he leaves it forever on November 5, 1830. This separation from his homeland was the cause of his constant hidden grief - longing for his homeland. To this was added at the end of the thirties a love for, which gave him more grief than happiness in addition to parting with his bride.
Having passed Dresden, Vienna, Munich, he arrived in Paris in 1831. On the way, Chopin wrote a diary (the so-called "Stuttgart Diary"), reflecting his state of mind during his stay in Stuttgart, where he was overcome by despair due to the collapse of the Polish uprising. During this period, Chopin wrote his famous "Revolutionary Etude".
Chopin gave his first concert in Paris at the age of 22. The success was complete. Chopin rarely performed in concerts, but in the salons of the Polish colony and the French aristocracy, Chopin's fame grew extremely rapidly. There were composers who did not recognize his talent, such as Kalkbrenner and John Field, but this did not stop Chopin from gaining many loyal fans, both in artistic circles and in society. The love for teaching music and pianism was hallmark Chopin, one of the few great artists who devoted a lot of time to this.
In 1837, Chopin felt the first attack of lung disease (with most likely, it was tuberculosis). The connection with George Sand (Aurora Dupin) coincides with this time. Staying in Mallorca with George Sand had a negative impact on Chopin's health, he suffered from bouts of illness there. However, many greatest works, including 24 preludes, were created on this Spanish island. However, he spent a lot of time countryside in France, where George Sand had an estate in Nohant.
A ten-year cohabitation with George Sand, full of moral trials, greatly undermined Chopin's health, and a break with her in 1847, in addition to causing him considerable stress, deprived him of the opportunity to rest in Nohant.
Wanting to leave Paris in order to change the situation and expand his circle of acquaintances, Chopin went to London in April 1848 to give concerts and teach. This turned out to be his last trip. Success, a nervous, stressful life, a damp British climate, and most importantly, a chronic lung disease that periodically worsened - all this finally undermined his strength. Returning to Paris, Chopin died on October 5 (17), 1849.
Chopin was deeply mourned by the entire musical world. Thousands of fans of his work gathered at his funeral. According to the wish of the deceased, at his funeral famous artists of that time, Mozart's Requiem, a composer whom Chopin put above all others, was performed (and he called his Requiem and the Jupiter symphony his favorite works), and his own prelude No. 4 (E minor) was also performed. In the Père Lachaise cemetery, Chopin's ashes rest between the graves of Luigi Cherubini and Bellini. Chopin's heart was, according to his will, sent to Warsaw, where it was walled up in a column of the Church of the Holy Cross.
The question of the birth date of the greatest Polish composer Frederic Francois Chopin still haunts the minds of his biographers, in contrast to the undeniable 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 baptismal record in the parish church of the city of Brochov, on February 22. The birthplace of the creator is beyond doubt: the town of Zhelyazova Wola, in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, located on the Lost 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 born in the capital of Lorraine, the city of Marinville, an independent duchy ruled by King Stanislaw Leszczynski of Poland until his death in 1766, and then passed under the control of France. He moved to Poland in 1787, speaking fairly well French, German, Polish, the basics of accounting, calligraphy, literature and music. In 1806, in Brochov, Nicolas married Justine Krzhizhanovskaya, and this marriage turned out to be quite successful and durable. The couple lived together for a happy 38 years. A year after the marriage, their first daughter, Ludwika, was born in Warsaw, son Fryderyk, in Zhelyazova Wola, and then two more daughters: Isabela and Emilia in Warsaw. Frequent family moves were due to the political situation in the country. Nicolas worked as a mentor to 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 Warsaw Grand Duchy, having received a teaching position in a comprehensive secondary school. The first apartment of the family 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. Mother played the piano and sang, and her father accompanied her on the flute or violin. According to the memoirs of the sisters, the boy showed genuine interest in the sounds of music. At an early age, Chopin began to show artistic talents: he drew, wrote poetry and performed music without any training. The gifted child began to compose his own music and at the age of seven some of his early creations were already published.
The six-year-old Chopin took regular piano lessons under the Czech pianist Wojciech Zivny, who was 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 comicality 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 simultaneously with his sister, with whom they played four hands.
In March 1817, the Chopin family, together with the Warsaw Lyceum, moved to the Kazimierz Palace, in the right wing. This year, the audience heard his first compositions: the B-flat major polonaise and the military march. Over the years, the score of the first march has been lost. A year later, he was already performing in public, playing the works of Adalbert Girovets.
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 band during military parades on Saxony Square. The Warsaw magazine publishes the first review of the work of the young talent, focusing on the fact that at the age of eight the author has all the ingredients of a real musical genius. He not only performs the most complex pieces on the piano with ease, but is also a composer with exceptional musical taste, who has already written several dances and variations that amaze even experts. February 24, 2018 at a charity evening at the Radziwill Palace, Chopin plays. The audience warmly welcomes talented performer calling him the second Mozart. He begins to actively perform in the best aristocratic houses.
Adolescence of a young composer
In 1821, Frederick wrote a polonaise, which he dedicated to his first teacher. The work is the composer's earliest surviving manuscript. The young Chopin completes his studies with Zhivny by the age of 12 and begins studying the fundamentals of harmony and music theory privately with Józef Elsner, founder and director of the Warsaw Conservatory. In parallel, 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 uniquely original, did not insist on the use of traditional teaching methods and left the composer free to develop according to an individual plan.
In 1825, the young man performed improvisation in an evangelical church, on a new instrument invented by Brunner, something resembling 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 Polsky Vestnik noted that all those present listened with pleasure to the sincere captivating performance and admired the skill.
Subsequently, Chopin will play his works on little-known instruments more than once. According to the memoirs of his contemporaries, the composer even composed pieces for performance 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 greatest feature of which was that it had as many windows as there are days in a year, as many halls as months, as many rooms as weeks, and its whole construction was an incredible example of gothic style. In the same year he became a school organist, playing on Sundays in church as an accompanist for the choir. Among the works of this period, one can distinguish polonaises and mazurkas intended for dancing, as well as his first waltzes. In 1826, he completed his studies at the Lyceum, and in September began working under the wing of Rector Elsner, who, as the Faculty of Fine Arts, is part of the University of Warsaw. During this period, the first signs of a health disorder appear and Chopin, under the supervision of doctors F. Remer and V. Maltz, receives prescriptions for treatment, which imply compliance with a strict daily regimen and diet food. He begins attending private Italian lessons.
Travel years
In the autumn of 1828, the young man went with his father's friend Yarotsky to Berlin. There, taking part in the world congress of natural researchers, he draws caricatures of scientists, complementing the images with huge shapeless noses. Frederic also reacts critically to excessive romanticism. However, the trip gave him the opportunity to get acquainted with the musical life of Berlin, which was the main purpose of the trip. Seeing Gaspard Luigi Spontini, Carl 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 operatic works in the theater left a special impression.
After visiting Berlin, Chopin visited Poznań, where, in accordance with family tradition, attended the reception of Archbishop Teofil Voriki, a relative of the Skarbeks, known for his patriotism, and in the residence of the governor of the Grand Duchy of Poznan, Duke Radziwill, he plays works by Haydn, Beethoven and improvises. Upon his return to Warsaw, he continues to work under the direction of Elsner.
At the beginning of winter, he takes an active part in musical life Warsaw. At a concert at the home of Friederik Buchholz, he plays Rondo in C major on two pianos with Julian Fontana. He performs, plays, improvises and entertains in Warsaw salons, occasionally giving private lessons. Takes part in amateur performances home theater. In the spring of 1829, Anthony Radziwill visited Chopin's house, and soon the composer composed Polonaise in C major for him for piano and cello.
Feeling that Frederik needs to grow and improve professionally, his father turns to the Minister of Public Education Stanislav Grabowski for a grant for his son so that he can visit foreign countries, in particular Germany, Italy and France, to continue their education. Despite Grabowski's support, his request is rejected by the Minister of the Interior, Count Tadeusz Mostowski. Despite the obstacles, the parents eventually send their son to Vienna in mid-July. First of all, he attends concerts and opera, listens to music performed by a local diva - pianist Leopoldina Blagetka, according to whom Frederick himself is a virtuoso, capable of causing a sensation 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 writing 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, to family and friends, he presents his Concerto in E Minor with the accompaniment of a small orchestra.
Life and death in Paris
Over the next few years, Chopin performed extensively 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. Warmly desiring to take an active part in the political struggle of 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 performance became less and less common. Nevertheless, he became a prominent figure in Parisian artistic circles. His entourage consisted of 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 Aurora Dudevant, known as George Sand. At the end of 1837, Sand develops a close relationship with Chopin, who by that time had parted ways with Maria Wodzinska. Hoping for a healing climate in Spain, Frederic, Georges and her children Maurice and Solange move to Mallorca.
In the villa, among cedars, cacti, oranges, lemons, aloes, 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 had already begun to appear during coughing fits. 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 ill-informed about what planet he lives on. Georges, realizing the seriousness of her husband's health affairs, devoted her life to children, Chopin and creativity.
After improving their health, the family settled for the summer in the Sand country house in Nohant, south of Paris. Here Chopin is composing the Nocturne in G Major and three Mazurkas from Opus No. 41. He is working on completing the Ballade in F Major and the Sonata. In the summer he feels unstable, but at every opportunity he rushes to the piano and composes. The composer spends the whole next year with his family. Chopin gives five lessons a day, his wife writes up to 10 pages per night. Thanks to the reputation and development of the publishing business, Chopin successfully sells his scores. Rare Chopin concerts bring the family 5,000 francs each. The public is eager to hear a great musician.
In 1843, the musician's health continues to deteriorate. He takes homeopathic treatment. In October 1843, Frederick and his son Sand Maurice returned from the village to Paris, and his wife and daughter lingered for a month in nature. The death, at the age of fourteen in Vienna, in 1845, of his most talented pupil, Karl Filz, who was universally regarded as a brilliant pianist and closest in style of playing, struck Chopin. The couple spends more and more time in the countryside. Among the regular guests appears Pauline Viardot, whose repertoire Chopin listens with delight.
The difference in temperaments and jealousy interfered with the relationship with Sand. In 1848 they separated. Chopin toured the British Isles, performing for the last time on 16 November 1848 at the London Guild for Polish Refugees. In letters to his family, he wrote that if London were not so dark, and the people were not so heavy, and if there was no smell of coal, no fogs, he would have learned English, but the English are very different from the French, to whom Chopin attached. The Scottish mists did not add to his health. At the beginning of 1849 he saw the light of his latest works: "Waltz in a 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 suffers from choking fits of coughing. 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 the greatest musician but the whole world is a real genius. His body was buried in the Pere 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 composer's name:
- Saxon Palace;
- Kazimierz Palace;
- Botanical Garden;
- Krasiński Palace;
- Warsaw Lyceum;
- Conservatory;
- University of Warsaw;
- Palace of the Radziwills;
- Blue Palace;
- Morshtyn Palace;
- National Theatre.
Listen: The Best, Frederic Chopin
