Mysterious, devilish, feminine, courageous, incomprehensible, tragic Chopin, understandable to everyone.
S. Richter

According to A. Rubinstein, “Chopin is a bard, a rhapsode, the spirit, the soul of the piano.” The most unique thing in Chopin’s music is associated with the piano: its trembling, sophistication, “singing” of the entire texture and harmony, enveloping the melody with a shimmering airy “haze”. All the colorfulness of the romantic worldview, everything that usually required monumental compositions (symphonies or operas) for its implementation, was expressed in the great Polish composer and pianist in piano music (Chopin has very few works with the participation of other instruments, the human voice or orchestra). Contrasts and even polar opposites of romanticism in Chopin were transformed into the highest harmony: fiery inspiration, increased emotional “temperature” - and strict logic of development, intimate confidence of the lyrics - and conceptuality of symphonic proportions, artistry brought to aristocratic sophistication, and next to it - pristine purity " folk pictures" In general, the originality of Polish folklore (its modes, melodies, rhythms) permeated all the music of Chopin, who became a musical classic of Poland.

Chopin was born near Warsaw, in Zelazowa Wola, where his father, a native of France, worked as a home teacher in count's family. Shortly after Fryderyk's birth, the Chopin family moved to Warsaw. Phenomenal musical talent is already evident in early childhood, at the age of 6 the boy composed his first piece (polonaise), and at 7 he performed for the first time as a pianist. Chopin received his general education at the Lyceum; he also took piano lessons from V. Zhivny. The formation of a professional musician was completed at the Warsaw Conservatory (1826-29) under the direction of J. Elsner. Chopin's talent was manifested not only in music: from childhood he wrote poetry, acted in home performances, and drew wonderfully. Throughout his life, Chopin retained the gift of a caricaturist: he could draw or even depict someone with facial expressions in such a way that everyone unmistakably recognized this person.

The artistic life of Warsaw provided many impressions for the aspiring musician. The Italian and Polish national opera, the tours of major artists (N. Paganini, J. Hummel) inspired Chopin and opened up new horizons for him. Often during summer holidays Fryderyk visited his friends' country estates, where he not only listened to the village musicians play, but sometimes he himself played an instrument. Chopin's first experiments as a composer were poeticized dances of Polish everyday life (polonaise, mazurka), waltzes, as well as nocturnes - miniatures of a lyrical and contemplative nature. He also turns to the genres that formed the basis of the repertoire of the virtuoso pianists of that time - concert variations, fantasies, rondos. The material for such works was, as a rule, themes from popular operas or Polish folk melodies. met with a warm response from R. Schumann, who wrote an enthusiastic article about them. Schumann also owns the following words: “...If in our time a genius like Mozart is born, he will begin to write concertos more like Chopin’s than Mozart’s.” 2 concerts (especially E minor) were the highest achievement early creativity Chopin, reflected all the facets art world twenty-year-old composer. The elegiac lyrics, akin to the Russian romance of those years, are set off by the brilliance of virtuosity and spring-like light folk-genre themes. Mozart's perfect forms are imbued with the spirit of romanticism.

During a tour to Vienna and the cities of Germany, Chopin was overtaken by the news of the defeat of the Polish uprising (1830-31). The tragedy of Poland became a powerful personal tragedy, combined with the impossibility of returning to their homeland (Chopin was a friend of some participants in the liberation movement). As B. Asafiev noted, “the collisions that worried him focused on various stages of love longing and on the brightest explosion of despair in connection with the death of the fatherland.” From now on, genuine drama penetrates his music (Ballad in G minor, Scherzo in B minor, Etude in C minor, often called “Revolutionary”). Schumann writes that “...Chopin introduced the Beethoven spirit into concert hall" Ballad and scherzo are genres new to piano music. Ballads were extended romances of a narrative-dramatic nature; Chopin has this large works poetic type (written under the impression of A. Mickiewicz’s ballads and Polish thoughts). The scherzo (usually a part of the cycle) is also being rethought - now it has begun to exist as an independent genre (not at all comic, but more often of elemental-demonic content).

Chopin's subsequent life is connected with Paris, where he ends up in 1831. In this seething center artistic life Chopin meets with artists from different countries Europe: composers G. Berlioz, F. Liszt, N. Paganini, V. Bellini, J. Meyerbeer, pianist F. Kalkbrenner, writers G. Heine, A. Mickiewicz, George Sand, artist E. Delacroix, who painted a portrait of the composer. Paris 30s XIX century - one of the centers of new, romantic art, which was established in the fight against academicism. According to Liszt, “Chopin openly joined the ranks of the romantics, nevertheless writing the name of Mozart on his banner.” Indeed, no matter how far Chopin went in his innovation (even Schumann and Liszt did not always understand him!), his work bore the character of an organic development of tradition, its magical transformation. The idols of the Polish romantic were Mozart and especially J. S. Bach. Chopin generally disapproved of contemporary music. This was probably due to his classically strict, refined taste, which did not allow any harshness, rudeness or extremes of expression. For all his social sociability and friendliness, he was reserved and did not like to open his inner world. Thus, he spoke rarely and sparingly about music and the content of his works, most often disguised as some kind of joke.

In those created in the early years Parisian life In his etudes, Chopin gives his understanding of virtuosity (as opposed to the art of fashionable pianists) - as a means that serves the expression of artistic content and is inseparable from it. Chopin himself, however, performed little in concerts, preferring the intimate, more comfortable atmosphere of a secular salon to a large hall. There was not enough income from concerts and music publications, and Chopin was forced to give piano lessons. At the end of the 30s. Chopin completes the cycle of preludes, which have become a real encyclopedia of romanticism, reflecting the main conflicts of the romantic worldview. In preludes - the smallest pieces - a special “density”, concentration of expression is achieved. And again we see an example of a new attitude towards the genre. In ancient music, the prelude was always an introduction to some work. For Chopin, this is a valuable piece in its own right, preserving at the same time some understatement of the aphorism and “improvisational” freedom, which is so consonant with the romantic worldview. The cycle of preludes was completed on the island of Majorca, where Chopin made a trip together with George Sand (1838) to improve his health. In addition, Chopin traveled from Paris to Germany (1834-1836), where he met Mendelssohn and Schumann, and in Carlsbad he met his parents, and to England (1837).

for piano:

Frederic François Chopin (French Frédéric François Chopin; Polish Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin, Frederic Franciszek 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 of Polish musical art. He reinterpreted many genres: he revived the prelude on a romantic basis, created a piano ballad, poeticized and dramatized dances - mazurka, polonaise, waltz; turned a scherzo into independent work. Enriched the harmony and piano texture; combined classical form with melodic richness and imagination.

Among Chopin's works are 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 in territory that is part of Russian Empire, due to the fact that Poland ceased to exist as a state back in 1795, and Warsaw, as a result Napoleonic Wars, was located on territory that became part of the Russian Empire.

In 1830, news arrived of an uprising for independence in Poland. Chopin dreams of returning to his homeland and taking part in battles. The preparations were completed, but on the way to Poland he was met with terrible news: the uprising was suppressed, the leader was captured. Chopin deeply believed that his music would help his native people achieve victory. “Poland will be brilliant, powerful, independent!” - this is what he wrote in his diary. Frederic Chopin's last public concert 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.

From 1802, he lived on the estate of Count Skarbek Zhelyazov-Vola, where he worked as a teacher for the Count’s children.

In 1806, Nicolas Chopin married a distant relative of the Skarbecks, Tekla Justyna Krzyzanowska (1782-1861). The Krzyzanowski (Krzyzanowski) family of the coat of arms Piggy traces its origins back to the 14th century and owned the village of Krzyzanowo near Koscian.

The Krzyzanowski family included, among others, Wladimir Krzyzanowski, the nephew of Justyna Krzyzanowski. According to surviving evidence, the composer's mother received a good education, owned French, was extremely musical, played the piano well, and had a beautiful voice. Frederick owes his first musical impressions to his mother, who was instilled with a love of folk melodies from infancy.

In the autumn of 1810, some time after the birth of his son, Nicolas Chopin moved to Warsaw. At the Warsaw Lyceum, thanks to the patronage of the Skarbeks, he received a place after the death of the teacher, Pan Maheu. Chopin was a teacher of French and German languages ​​and French literature, and ran a boarding school for lyceum students.

The intelligence and sensitivity of the parents united 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 Jedrzeevich, who was especially close to him devoted friend, and the youngest - Isabella and Emilia. The sisters had versatile abilities, and Emilia, who died early, had outstanding literary talent.

Already in his childhood, Chopin showed extraordinary musical abilities. He was surrounded by special attention and care. Similarly, he amazed those around him with his musical “obsession,” his inexhaustible imagination in improvisations, and his innate pianism. His sensitivity and musical impressionability manifested themselves vigorously and unusually. He could cry while listening to music, jump up at night to pick out a memorable melody or chord on the piano.

In its January issue for 1818, one of the Warsaw newspapers published a few lines about the first musical piece composed by a composer who was still in elementary school. “The author of this “Polonaise,” the newspaper wrote, “is a student who is not yet 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 entrusting him big hopes. Pianist Wojciech Zywny (1756-1842), a Czech by birth, began studying 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 quickly that by the age of twelve, Chopin was on par with the best Polish pianists. Zhivny refused to study with the young virtuoso, declaring that he could teach him nothing more.

After graduating from college and completing his seven-year studies with Zhivny, Chopin began his theoretical studies with the composer Joseph Elsner.

The patronage of Prince Anton Radziwill and the Chetvertinsky princes brought Chopin into high society, who was impressed by Chopin's charming appearance and refined manners.

Here's what Franz Liszt said about it: « General impression his personality was quite calm, harmonious and, it seemed, did not require additions in any comments. Blue eyes Chopin shone with more intelligence than they were shrouded in 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 interest. Chopin was usually cheerful; his caustic mind quickly found the funny even in such manifestations that not everyone notices.”.

Trips to Berlin, Dresden, Prague, where he attended concerts of outstanding musicians, contributed to his development.

In 1829, Chopin's artistic activity began. He performs in Vienna and Krakow, performing his works. Returning to Warsaw, he left it forever on November 5, 1830. This separation from his homeland was the cause of his constant hidden grief - longing for his homeland. Added to this at the end of the thirties was his 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 Polish uprising. During this period, Chopin wrote his famous “Revolutionary Etude”.

Chopin gave his first concert in Paris at the age of 22. It was a complete success. Chopin rarely performed in concerts, but in the salons of the Polish colony and the French aristocracy, Chopin's fame grew extremely quickly. There were composers who did not recognize his talent, such as Kalkbrenner and John Field, but this did not prevent Chopin from gaining many loyal fans, both in artistic circles and in society. The love of teaching music and pianism was a hallmark of Chopin, one of the few great artists who devoted much time to it.

In 1837, Chopin felt his first attack of lung disease (most likely it was tuberculosis). The connection with Georges 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 of the greatest works, including the 24 Preludes, were created on this Spanish island. But he spent a lot of time in rural areas 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 the break with her in 1847, in addition to causing him significant stress, deprived him of the opportunity to relax in Nohant.

Wanting to leave Paris for a change of scenery 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 journey. Success, a nervous, stressful life, the damp British climate, and most importantly, a periodically worsening chronic lung disease - all this completely undermined his strength. Returning to Paris, Chopin died on October 5 (17), 1849.

Everyone mourned deeply for Chopin music world. Thousands of fans of his work gathered at his funeral. According to the wishes of the deceased, at his funeral famous artists At that time, Mozart’s “Requiem” was performed, the composer whom Chopin valued above all others (and his “Requiem” and the “Jupiter” symphony were his favorite works), and his own Prelude No. 4 (E minor) was also performed. At 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.

Chopin - the founder of Polish musical classics. This is a romantic composer, but a special romantic. All his work is connected with Poland, its folklore and history.

His life was tragic. It (life) is, as it were, divided into 2 parts. He lived for the first 20 years in Poland (until 1831), and then was forced to leave Poland forever. For the rest of his life, Chopin lived in Paris, homesick for his homeland. There are 2 features of his work: 1) His homeland acquired for him the meaning of an unattainable romantic ideal, a dream for which he languished all his life. Chopin is a lyricist composer. 2) Romantic impulses and yearnings in his music are always combined with clear logic and refinement of form. Chopin always rejected unbridledness, pretentiousness and exaggeration. He couldn't stand the numbing effects. Liszt said: “Chopin cannot stand excess and unbridledness.” Chopin loved Bach and Mozart. Chopin's music is distinguished by artistry, spirituality, and subtlety. He didn't like Beethoven.

Chopin created his own piano style, which combines virtuosity and subtle, deep lyricism. He created new types of piano sounds, a new flavor of piano sounds, new technology in the pedal.

Chopin rethought different genres of piano miniatures. The Prelude became an independent piece rather than an introductory piece. In depth, a prelude or impromptu approaches drama. He did a lot of new things in the sketch genre. Each sketch is a romantic miniature, and at the same time, each sketch is a path to mastering new technical techniques.

Nocturne and waltz. There are nocturnes that are tragic in sound (C minor) with complex continuous development. Waltzes are brilliant, concert, virtuosic, and some are deeply lyrical.

Chopin created new genres of romantic miniature based on Polish dances - mazurka, polonaise, krakowiak.

Created new genres of large form. These are: the scherzo, which was previously part of the symphonic cycle (in Beethoven from the 2nd symphony); a ballad that had previously appeared in German poetry. These are complex genres in which there is synthesis different forms, and even cyclic ones. Chopin - greatest master melodies. Its melodic origins are different. His melodies combine the features of national Polish songwriting and the classics of Italian Belsant. The melodies have melodiousness, declamatory quality, and complex instrumental development. Ornamentation gives a special uniqueness to Chopin's melodies. These decorations are thematically important. The origins of the originality are folk violin variations and virtuoso Italian singing. The harmonic language becomes more complex, but the harmonies are very melodious, they seem to be composed of melodious voices. Features of harmony: Distant keys, alterations, enharmonic modulations, modulations into distant keys. This prepared Liszt, Scriabin and other later composers.

Life path

Chopin was born near Warsaw in Zelazowa Wola into a very cultured family. Father is a former Kosciuszko army officer. My father worked at the Warsaw Lyceum. Mother was very musical. Chopin showed an affinity for the piano very early on. He gave his first concert at the age of 8. 1st piano teacher - Vojtech Zivny. He instilled in the boy a love for the classics. At the age of 13 he entered his father's lyceum. He studied Polish literature, aesthetics, and history. During his lyceum years, Chopin wrote poetry, plays, and drew well (especially caricatures). He had congenital tuberculosis.

Musical life in Warsaw was quite intense and lively. Operas by Polish composers, as well as Rossini, Mozart, and others were staged. Chopin heard Paganini, Hummel (pianist). Hummel influenced early piano style. There were various musical circles in Warsaw. Chopin performed in them.

1826-1829

Study at the Main School of Music (Conservatory). He took a composition class with Elsner. Chopin began composing early (even before the conservatory). He wrote polonaises and waltzes.

Early creativity

1st group of works: The main works are concert, virtuosic and somewhat complex, lush, for piano and orchestra.

2nd group: miniatures - waltzes, mazurkas, polonaises.

The highest achievement of this period is 2 piano concertos. In 1828, Chopin went on a concert trip abroad for the first time. Was in Berlin, Vienna, Prague and Dresden. In 1830, he and his friends planned a new concert trip. In the autumn he went to Vienna and then to Paris. At this time, an uprising was brewing in Prague, which Chopin ardently supported. On the way to Paris - in the city of Stuttgart, he learned about the defeat of the uprising. It shocked him. He was eager to return to his homeland, but his friends held him back.

After this, Chopin's work changed. An unprecedented drama appeared. He wrote a stormy sketch - C-moll, which he called Revolutionary (this sketch was written there - in Stuttgart). The impression of the defeat of the uprising was then expressed in other works (1st ballad, preludes in a minor and d minor).

30-40 years

The main period of creativity. Paris in the 30-40s became the cultural center of Europe. All the celebrities flocked there: Balzac, Stendhal, Hugo, Merimee, Musset, Delacroix (the artist who painted the only portrait of Chopin), Heine, Mickiewicz, Liszt, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, etc. There were famous opera singers: Pasta, Malibran, Viardot, and also there were: Berlioz, Aubert, Halévy. Virtuoso pianists performed in Paris: Kalkbrenner, Thalberg, as well as Paganini. In Paris, Chopin became close to the Poles. Joined the Polish literary society. First of all, Chopin conquered Paris as a pianist. He had the finest sound. Chopin was very weak, so his F was perceived as i. He conveyed the subtlety of color very well. He had amazing rubato. Subsequently, Chopin performed little in concerts. He played mainly for his Polish friends.

1836-1837

Years of romance with Polish Maria Wodzinska. Her parents did not allow them to get married. After Chopin's death, a bundle of letters with Maria was found.

1838-1847

Years life together with the writer Georges Sand (pseudonym). She wore men's suits, smoked a pipe, and was similar in character and mentality to a man. They didn't get married. Georges Sand had 2 children (not with Chopin).

Years of the dawn of creativity. George Sand introduced Chopin to the best people Paris. In winter, Chopin gave private lessons, and in the summer he lived on the money he earned and was engaged in creativity.

In 1838, Chopin and George Sand traveled to the island of Majorca. There was a romantic atmosphere that inspired his 2nd ballad, polonaise and 3rd scherzo.

Until 1838, Chopin wrote almost exclusively miniatures: mazurkas, etudes, polonaises, waltzes, nocturnes. Large form in the period before 1838 - 1st ballad, 1st and 2nd scherzo. After 38, Chopin showed a desire for dramatic and large genres: 2, 3 and 4 ballads, sonatas in b-moll and h-moll, fantasy f-minor, polonaise-fantasy, 3rd and 4th scherzo. Even the miniatures become dramatic and large (nocturne in C minor, polonaise As major).

In 1847 - break with Georges Sand. The remaining years are a gradual decline in creativity. In 1848, Chopin went on tour to London. There he gave lessons and performed a little in salons. Last time performed at the Polish ball. Chopin died of tuberculosis in the arms of his sister. Mozart's requiem was performed at the funeral. According to Chopin's will, his heart was transported to Warsaw. From the mid-40s. New trends appeared in his work: calm contemplation, bright harmony. Musical language more difficult. More polyphonic techniques appear. Multi-layered melody. Harmony is chromatic. This is where the path to musical empressionism begins (Debussy and others). This is embodied in his "Lullaby".

Famous musician and interesting person is Frederic Chopin. short biography it is presented in this article. He was born on March 1, 1810 near Warsaw.

The family of the future composer was very educated. His father had the rank of officer, served in the army, and then was engaged in teaching at the Warsaw Lyceum. He also played the piano, violin and flute quite well. Frederic's mother loved music. Therefore, it is not surprising that a great musician and composer was born into such a family.

His musical gift manifested itself in his early years, and his first composition was published already in 1817. Frederik's first mentor was Voytech Zhivny. It was he who taught the future composer to understand and love classical music. The boy had a serious illness - congenital tuberculosis.

Chopin's biography says that his first public concert took place in 1818. Frederick played the piano. In the period 1823-1829. he studied at the music lyceum, and then at the main music school, where his own father taught. There Frederic studied Polish literature, history, aesthetics and mastered other humanities. At that time, the future composer was fond of drawing caricatures, writing plays and poems. During his years of study, Frederic toured the entire territory of Poland with performances, visited Vienna and Berlin. His first style of playing the piano was formed under the influence of Hummel. In the Polish capital, Frederick participated in various musical circles.

It is said that after completing his studies (1830), he gave three large concerts in Warsaw, which became triumphant. That same year, Frederick went on a trip abroad and left his homeland forever. Having visited many European cities, Chopin finally settled in Paris. In 1835 he went to Leipzig, where he met Schumann.

In 1836, the composer met a Polish girl named Maria Wodzinska. They began an affair. However, her parents did not give consent to the wedding. This relationship lasted only a year, and the young people broke up. This leads to the fact that in 1838 Frederic Chopin travels to Mallorca. His biography says that on this island he met Georges Sand, a famous writer from France. Her real name was Aurore Dupin. Frederick often spent the summer at the writer’s estate. She was a rather eccentric person for her time. Aurora wore men's clothing and, despite this, the writer had two children. Novel famous people lasted about 9 years.

Chopin constantly developed his talent and realized himself creatively, but he was negatively affected by the break with George Sand, which occurred in 1848. The composer also experienced financial difficulties, and his strength was undermined by tuberculosis. Chopin's biography shows that in 1848 he went to Britain, but his health did not allow the composer to give the planned concerts in London. Frederick returned to Paris broken and exhausted.

Chopin's biography says that in 1849 he died of consumption. He was interred in the French capital. However, according to the will, the heart was taken to Warsaw, where it was buried in a church.

Message quote Frederic Chopin | A genius of piano music. (“Chopin-Lust for Love” (2002) Biographical film.)

Chopin's work is a vast world of extraordinary beauty. Listening to it, you forget that you are listening to only one instrument - the piano. Boundless expanses open up before you, windows open into unknown distances, full of secrets and adventures. And I really want this new, newly discovered world to never leave you.

(Anna German - Letter to Chopin)

Frederic Chopin (Polish: Fryderyk Chopin, native village of Zhelazova Wola, near Warsaw) is a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. Author of numerous works for piano. The largest representative of 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 an independent work. Enriched the harmony and piano texture; combined classical form with melodic richness and imagination.

Fryderyk Chopin was born near Warsaw, the capital of Poland, in the town of Zhelazova Wola.

Justina Chopin (1782 - 1861), mother of the composer.Nicolas Chopin (1771 - 1844), father of the composer

Chopin's mother was Polish, his father was French. Chopin's family lived on the estate of Count Skarbek, where his father served as a home teacher.

After the birth of his son, Nikolai Chopin received a position as a teacher at the Warsaw Lyceum (secondary educational institution), and the whole family moved to the capital. Little Chopin grew up surrounded by music. His father played the violin and flute, his mother sang well and played the piano a little. Not yet able to speak, the child began to cry loudly as soon as he heard his mother singing or his father playing. His parents believed that Fryderyk did not like music, and this greatly upset them. But they soon became convinced that this was not the case at all. By the age of five, the boy was already confidently performing simple pieces, learned under the guidance of his older sister Ludvika. Soon, the famous Czech musician Wojciech Zivny, famous in Warsaw, became his teacher.

Wojciech Zywny (1782 - 1861), the first teacher who taught Fryderyk Chopin to play the piano

A sensitive and experienced teacher, he instilled in his student a love of classical music and especially the works of I.S. Bach. Bach's keyboard preludes and fugues subsequently always lay on the composer's desk. The little pianist's first performance took place in Warsaw when he was seven years old. The concert was a success, and the whole of Warsaw soon learned Chopin's name. At the same time, one of his first works was published - a polonaise for piano in G minor. The boy's performing talent developed so quickly that by the age of twelve, Chopin was on par with the best Polish pianists. Zhivny refused to study with the young virtuoso, declaring that he could teach him nothing more. At the same time as studying music, the boy received good general education. Already as a child, Fryderyk was fluent in French and German languages, was keenly interested in the history of Poland, read a lot fiction. At the age of thirteen he entered the lyceum and three years later he successfully graduated. During the years of study, the versatile abilities of the future composer were revealed.

The young man drew well, and he was especially good at caricatures. His talent for mimicry was so brilliant that he could have become a stage actor. Already in his youth, Chopin was distinguished by his sharp mind, observation and great curiosity. Since childhood, Chopin showed a love for folk music. According to the stories of his parents, during country walks with his father or comrades, the boy could stand for a long time under the window of some hut, from where folk tunes could be heard. While on vacation in the summer at the estates of his lyceum comrades, Fryderyk himself took part in the performance of folk songs and dances.

Singer Angelica Catalani (1780 - 1849) gave F. Chopin a gold watch with the inscription “Madame Catalani (Fryderyk Chopin ten years old) in Warsaw. 3. 1. 1820"

Over the years folk music became an integral part of his work, became close to his being. After graduating from the Lyceum, Chopin entered High school music. Here his classes were led by the experienced teacher and composer Joseph Elsner. Elsner very soon realized that his student was not just talented, but a genius. Among his notes there is a brief description he gave to the young musician: “Amazing abilities. Musical genius" By this time, Chopin had already been recognized as the best pianist in Poland. His talent as a composer also reached maturity. This is evidenced by two concertos for piano and orchestra, composed in 1829-1830. These concerts are invariably performed in our time and are favorite works of pianists from all countries. At the same time, Fryderyk met the young singer Konstanzia Gladkowska, who was studying at the Warsaw Conservatory. Gladkovskaya was destined to become Fryderyk's first love. In a letter to his friend Woitsekhovsky, he wrote:
“...I, perhaps, unfortunately, already have my own ideal, which I faithfully serve, without speaking to it for six months, which I dream about, the memory of which became the adagio of my concert, which inspired me to write this morning this waltz being sent to you.”

Constance Gladkowska (1810 - 1889) singer at the National Theater in Warsaw. Miniature of Anna Chametz, made in 1969 based on a drawing by Wojciech Gerson

It was under the impression of this youthful feeling of love that Chopin composed one of his best songs, “Desire” or “If I Shined Like the Sun in the Sky.” In 1829, the young musician traveled briefly to Vienna. His concerts were a huge success. Chopin, his friends and family realized that he should go on a long concert tour. Chopin could not decide to take this step for a long time. He was tormented by bad feelings. It seemed to him that he was leaving his homeland forever. Finally, in the autumn of 1830, Chopin left Warsaw. Friends gave him a farewell cup filled with Polish soil. His teacher Elsner said goodbye to him touchingly.

Joseph Elsner (1769-1854), teacher of Fryderyk Chopin in music theory and composition

On the outskirts of Warsaw, where Chopin was passing through, he and his students performed something he had written especially for this occasion. choral work. Chopin was twenty years old. The happy youthful time, full of searches, hopes, successes, is over. Chopin's premonitions did not deceive him. He parted with his homeland forever. Remembering the good reception he received in Vienna, Chopin decided to begin his concerts there. But, despite the increased efforts, he was never able to give an independent concert, and publishers agreed to publish his works only for free. Unexpectedly, alarming news came from home. An uprising against the Russian autocracy, organized by Polish patriots, began in Warsaw. Chopin decided to interrupt his concert tour and return to Poland. He knew that among the rebels were his friends, perhaps even his father. After all, in his youth, Nicolas Chopin took part in the popular uprising led by Tadeusz Kosciuszko. But his family and friends persistently advise him in letters not to come. People close to Chopin are afraid that persecution may affect him too. Let him better remain free and serve his homeland with his art. With bitterness, the composer resigned and headed to Paris. On the way, Chopin was overtaken by news that shocked him: the uprising was brutally suppressed, its leaders were thrown into prison and exiled to Siberia. Chopin’s most famous etude, called “Revolutionary,” created even before his arrival in Paris, was directly connected with thoughts about the tragic destinies of his homeland. It embodied the spirit of the November uprising, as well as anger and sorrow. In the autumn of 1831, Chopin arrived in Paris. Here he lived until the end of his life. But France did not become the composer’s second homeland. Both in his affections and in his work, Chopin remained a Pole. And he even bequeathed his heart to be taken home after death. Chopin “conquered” Paris first as a pianist. He immediately amazed the audience with his original and unusual performance.

Friedrich Kalkbrenner (1788 - 1849). From a lithograph by G. Richardi. German pianist, composer and teacher. From 1824 he lived in Paris, where he was considered the most outstanding teacher of piano playing.

At that time, Paris was flooded with musicians from various countries. The most popular were the virtuoso pianists: Kalkbrenner, Hertz, Hiller.

Ferdinand Hiller (1811 - 1885) - German pianist, composer, conductor, musician. theorist, music historian and critic; founder of the Cologne Conservatory. He was connected with F. Chopin by an ardent friendship (there is bronze medal, which depicts Chopin and Hiller)

Their playing was distinguished by technical perfection and brilliance that stunned the audience. That's why Chopin's first concert performance sounded like such a sharp contrast. According to the memoirs of contemporaries, his performance was surprisingly spiritual and poetic. The famous Hungarian musician Franz Liszt, who also began his brilliant career as a pianist and composer at that time, remembers Chopin’s first concert: “We remember his first performance in the Pleyel Hall, when the applause, which increased with redoubled force, seemed unable to sufficiently express our enthusiasm in the face of talent, which, along with happy innovations in the field of his art, opened a new phase in the development of poetic feeling."

F. Liszt (1811-1886)

Chopin conquered Paris, just as Mozart and Beethoven once conquered Vienna. Like Liszt, he was recognized as the best pianist in the world. At Chopin concerts for the most part performed his own compositions: concertos for piano and orchestra, concert rondos, mazurkas, etudes, nocturnes, Variations on a theme from Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni”. It was about these variations that the outstanding German composer and critic Robert Schumann: “Hats off, gentlemen, before you is a genius.”

Chopin's music, as well as his concert performances, aroused universal admiration. Only music publishers waited. They published Chopin's works, but, as in Vienna, for free. Therefore, the first editions did not bring income to Chopin. He was forced to give music lessons for five to seven hours every day. This work provided him, but took too much time and effort. And even later, being a world-famous composer, Chopin could not afford to stop these studies with his students that were so exhausting for him. Along with the growing popularity of Chopin as a pianist and composer, his circle of acquaintances expanded.

F. Chopin among the famous pianists of his time (1835). From left to right: standing - T. Deller, J. Rosengein, F. Chopin, A. Dreishok, S. Thalberg; sitting - E. Wolf, A. Henselt, F. Liszt.

Among his friends are Liszt, the outstanding French composer Berlioz, French artist Delacroix, German poet Heine. But no matter how interesting his new friends were, he always gave preference to his compatriots. For the sake of a guest from Poland, he changed the strict order of his working day, showing him the sights of Paris. He could spend hours listening to stories about his homeland, about the lives of his family and friends.

With youthful insatiability he enjoyed Polish folk songs, and often wrote music to the poems he liked. Very often these poems, turned into songs, found their way back to Poland and became the property of the people. If a close friend, the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, came, Chopin immediately sat down at the piano and played for him for hours. Forced, like Chopin, to live away from his homeland, Mickiewicz also yearned for it. And only Chopin’s music slightly eased the pain of this separation and transported him there, far away, to his native Poland. It was thanks to Mickiewicz and the frenzied drama of his “Conrad Wallenrod” that the First Ballad was born. And Chopin’s Second Ballad is associated with the images of Mickiewicz’s poetry. Meetings with Polish friends were especially dear to the composer because Chopin did not have his own family.

His hope of marrying Maria Wodzinska, the daughter of one of the rich Polish nobles, did not come true. Maria's parents did not want to see their daughter married to a musician, even if he was world famous, but earned his living by working. For many years he connected his life with the famous French writer Aurora Dudevant, who appeared in print under the pseudonym Georges Sand.

Judging by " musical portraits»Constance Gladkowska and Maria Wodzinska, Chopin valued above all else in them the charm of purity created by his imagination. In George Sand one could find anything but this. By that time she enjoyed a scandalous reputation. Chopin could not have known this. But Liszt and his friend Marie d'Agoux highly valued the literary talent of George Sand and talked about this with Chopin and Mickiewicz, emphasizing that they valued her primarily as a writer. They also contributed to the appearance of George Sand at musical evenings with Chopin.

George Sand

It must be said that there is not much reliable information about the history of Chopin’s relationship with Georges Sand. Not everyone agrees with George Sand herself, who portrayed Chopin’s guardian angel to his friends and described to them her “self-sacrifice” and “maternal care” for the composer. Liszt, in a book published during George Sand’s lifetime, very unequivocally accused her of being the cause of his untimely death. Wojciech Grzymala, one of Chopin's closest friends, also believed that George Sand, “who poisoned his entire existence,” was responsible for his death. “A poisonous plant” was called by Wilhelm Lenz, a student of Chopin, who was deeply indignant at how impudently, arrogantly and disdainfully George Sand treated Chopin even in the presence of strangers. Over the years, Chopin gave concerts less and less, limiting himself to performing with a small circle of friends.

He devoted himself entirely to creativity. His sonatas, scherzos, ballads, impromptu, New episode etudes, the most poetic nocturnes, preludes and the still beloved mazurkas and polonaises. Along with light lyrical plays, more and more often from his pen came works full of dramatic depth, and often tragedy. This is the Second Sonata, with a funeral march, which belongs to the highest achievements of the composer, of all Polish music and romantic art in general. Józef Chominski, characterizing the first two movements of the sonata, said: “After the heroic struggle, the funeral march is obviously the last act of the drama.” Chopin viewed the funeral march as an emotional conclusion that dramatically completes the development of images. We have the right to call this drama, the images of which unfold in Chopin’s sonata, a national tragedy. Chopin's Funeral March is recognized as the most outstanding work of this genre. This march took a special, exclusive place not only in musical literature, but also in the life of humanity, for it is difficult to find a more sublime, more beautiful and more tragic embodiment of the feeling of grief. Chopin's life in Paris was, if not happy, then favorable for creativity. His talent reached its peak.

The publication of Chopin's works no longer encounters any obstacles; taking lessons from him is considered a great honor, and hearing him play is a rare happiness, available to a select few. The last years of the composer's life were sad. His friend Jan Matuszynski died, followed by his beloved father. A quarrel and break with George Sand made him completely lonely. Chopin was never able to recover from these brutal blows. The lung disease that Chopin had suffered from a young age worsened. The composer has written almost nothing for the past two years. His funds have dried up. To fix your troubles financial situation, Chopin took a trip to London at the invitation of English friends. Having collected last strength, sick, he gives concerts and lessons there. The enthusiastic reception at first pleases him and instills him with cheerfulness. But the damp climate of England quickly had its destructive effect. A hectic life, full of secular, often empty and meaningless entertainment, began to tire him. Chopin's letters from London reflect his gloomy mood, and often suffering:
“I’m no longer able to worry or rejoice - I’ve completely stopped feeling anything - I’m just vegetating and waiting for this to end as soon as possible.”

Mine last concert in London, which turned out to be the last in his life, Chopin gave in favor of Polish emigrants. On the advice of doctors, he hastily returned to Paris. The composer's last work was a mazurka in F minor, which he could no longer play and only wrote down on paper. At his request, his elder sister Ludwika, in whose arms he died.