Bust of Frédéric Chopin (20th Century) by Janusz TomasińskiCultural Center of Milanówek
You've probably heard the music of Frédéric Chopin, the Polish piano maestro who lived from 1810 to 1849, but did you know these five facts? Click and drag to view this bust of the great man from every angle, then scroll on to learn more...
A cast of Fryderyk Chopin's left hand by Tadeusz ŁopieńskiThe Fryderyk Chopin Institute
1. Solo Chopin
While most composers of the Romantic era and earlier wrote symphonies for whole orchestras, Chopin pretty much had eyes (and hands!) only for the pianoforte.
There are more than 230 surviving Chopin compositions. Every single one of them involves a piano, and the overwhelming majority of them are composed for solo piano.
Chopin Frederik Francois 1810-1849.LIFE Photo Collection
2. Black keys
Did you know Chopin mostly played in the dark? Despite being a child prodigy, performing from the age of 7, he grew into a shy and retiring man, and only gave around 30 public concerts as an adult.
He also reportedly blew out candles whenever playing, preferring the shadow to the spotlight.
Poster of the 5th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition (1955) by Tadeusz TrepkowskiThe Fryderyk Chopin Institute
3. Chopin and health
Modern day studies have begun to explore the possibility that Chopin's calming music can have positive effects on the mind and body.
Photograph of Chopin's piano used for the filming of a movie (1933)Museum Celda de Frédéric Chopin y George Sand
4. Chopin on film
Though Chopin didn't live long enough to witness the advent of motion pictures, his music and his life have become the stuff of great cinema.
From his work being used in famous love scenes, to biopics of his life story, to creative adaptations of his music becoming some of the most iconic film scores of all tie, Chopin and the Silver Screen have a long and productive relationship. Learn more here.
Chopin Frederik Francois 1810-1849.LIFE Photo Collection
5. Out of time
Chopin was a frequent user of the technique known as 'tempo rubato', where the notes of a melody were played slightly off the beat of the piece's tempo, stretching a note longer or cutting it short. This allowed for an emotionally expressive style, slightly out of perfect time.
Sadly, Chopin's life itself was cut short. At 39, he ran out of time, dying of complications due to tuberculosis. Despite his short lifespan, Chopin is remembered as a meticulous and refined artist.
Chopin (c.1851-1862) by Maximilian FajansMuseum Celda de Frédéric Chopin y George Sand
Have these five Frédéric facts got you wanting to know more? Discover Chopin Forever.
