FrédéricChopin

Born in Poland in 1810, Frédéric Chopin is one of the greats of romantic era solo piano music, with the vast majority of his compositional output encompassing that genre. His works simultaneously demand technical skill and emotional depth from performers. Chopin was trained as a pianist early in life, performing successful concerts at the age of seventeen. At twenty, he started a concert tour, during which the revolution in Warsaw occurred. As a result, Chopin emigrated to Paris, where he died in 1849 at the age of 39, having never returned to Poland. Chopin defined several solo piano forms, particularly the mazurka, waltz, nocturne, and polonaise. His orchestral output was limited, including two piano concerti and several other orchestral works. We are collecting music, coverage and news about Chopin from around Classical MPR and our affiliated programs. Have a look (and listen) and enjoy.

Chopin's Life and Work

Stories about Chopin, and the music he created.

  • New Classical Tracks - Returning to Chopin
    According to superstar pianist Lang Lang, Chopin's music is both accessible to the ear, and daunting to the fingers.November 13, 2012
  • New Classical Tracks: Vanessa Perez
    Vanessa Perez is an American-born Venezuelan pianist who has loved making music since she was a little girl. Vanessa Perez is spreading her love of music by releasing a new collection of Chopin Preludes which also includes four additional solo piano works.June 27, 2012
  • Kept From Playing Piano, Vanessa Perez Pushes Through To Success
    A rising Venezuelan pianist explains to Fred Child how she overcame her mother's fears to pursue her destiny. She shares music by Chopin, Villa-Lobos and Albeniz.June 6, 2012
  • New Classical Tracks - An Influential Young Pianist
    Benjamin Grosvenor is making a big splash nowadays, in his native England and internationally. He's just 19, but a lot of mature thought has gone into his new disc of virtuoso piano music.March 27, 2012
  • Regional Spotlight: Elisso Virsaladze and Chopin
    Elisso Virsaladze performs Chopin's Polonaise-Fantasie in A-flat, Op. 61 at Hamline University in April 2011.August 11, 2011
  • Have Avocation, Will Travel
    Local pianist Stephen Stouder performs in the Van Cliburn competition.May 24, 2011
  • Regional Spotlight: Rafal Blechacz
    At just 20 years old, Rafal Blechacz won the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competion in Warsaw. Listen to the reason he was the winner in his stunning performance of Chopin.March 24, 2011
  • Regional Spotlight: Denis Evstuhin
    Russian born Twin-Cities pianist Denis Evstuhin was chosen out of hundreds of applicants to compete in Warsaw in the Chopin Piano Competition happening now. Listen online to four Chopin impromptus he played at a warm-up recital in Saint Paul.October 6, 2010
  • New Classical Tracks: Many Moods of Chopin
    The sensational Argentine pianist Ingrid Fliter explores the waltzes of Chopin in her latest recording.February 17, 2009
  • New Classical Tracks: The allure and the thrill of Chopin
    The young Argentine musician Ingrid Fliter is one of the brightest rising stars in the piano world. The composer she's most identified with is Chopin, and his music is the focus of her latest disc.July 22, 2008

Complete Works of Chopin

Complete Works of Chopin

Chopin in the news

Coverage of Chopin from the Classical Notes blog.



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