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Chopin's birthplace, now the museum of Chopin.
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Frédéric François Chopin is born at Zelazowa Wola in Mazovia, in the Warsaw region of Poland in 1810. Although his actual birthdate is a mystery, it is generally accepted that he was born on March 1, although it is also thought that he was born on February 22. His birth name, however, was Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin. His father, Nicholas was born in France and emigrated to Poland in 1787. Chopin's mother was Tekla Justyna Kryzanowska.
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Six months after Chopin's birth, his family moved to Warsaw.
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Chopin composes two polonaises, in G minor and B-flat major. A polonaise is a slow dance in triple time, which is of Polish orign.
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Chopin writes his next work, polonaise in A-flat major. He wrote it in 1821 and it was his earliest surviving musical manuscript.
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The Warsaw Lyceum was a seccondary school that was Warsaw.
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In 1826, he bagan a course of studies with Józef Elsner, studing music theory, firgured bass and composition. During this time, he continued to compose music and perform recitals. Several performances gained him fame and a mention in foreign press.
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After the death of Chopin's youngest sister Emilia, his family moved from their home in a Warsaw University building to a lodging across the street of the university. Chopin resided here until 1830.
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In 1829, artist Ambroży Mieroszewski drew the first known portrait of Chopin.
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In this period, Chopin begins writing his first Etudes.
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Chopin composes Introduction and Polonaise brillante in C major for cello and piano, Op. 3 for Prince Antoni Radziwiłł and his daughter Wanda after he was a guest for the Prince in his tour in 1829.
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Because of his successes as a composer and performer, opportunities appeared for him in Western Europe. He set out on November 2, 1830 "into the wide world, with no very clearly defined aim, forever." Chopin aimed for Austria, intending to go on to Italy.
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Frédéric Chopin arrives in Paris. He would never return to Polland. In France he used the french version of his names. In Paris, Chopin continued to gain fame and gave him a chance to work out his talents. During this time he was able gain a great amount of income from teaching piano to wealthy students over Europe. This also allowed Chopin to perform less public concerts, which he had a distaste for.
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When Robert Schumann reviewed Chopin's first published article on music; Op. 2 Variations in the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung, Chopin recieved his first major praise from a significant contemporary. Schumann declared: "Hats off, gentlemen! A genius."
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Chopen goes to Carlsbad, where he meets his parents for the last time.
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Chopin meets french author George Sand in a party hosted by Marie d'Agoult. At first, Chopin had a strong negative feeling towards George, saying: "What an unattractive person la Sand is. Is she really a woman?". However, after Chopin's visit to London in 1837 his relationship with George Sand took a good turn, and by 1838 they were lovers.
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In 1837, Federic Chopin's hopeful relationship with Maria Wodzińska ended abuptly when the mother of Maria, Chopin's true love, made it clear that their marriage would not proceed. Her decision might be due to his bad health and rumors about his previous relatioships. Chopin placed letters from Maria and her mother in a package on which he wrote in Polish; My Tragedy.
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From 1849 onwards, Chopin's health continued to deteroate. Along with his other diseases, he may have suffered from epilepsy. As his illness progressed, Sand became less of a lover and more of a nurse. In letters, she refers to him as a "child," a "little angel," a "sufferer" and a "beloved little corpse."
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His relationship with Sand began to worsen. This was influenced by him taking on the side of Sand's daughter Solange in quarrels with her mother. Chopin also had to face the jealousy of Sand's son, Maurice.
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In 1848 Frederic Chopin gave his last Paris concert with three movements of the Cello Sonata Op. 65.
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On November 16, 1848 Chopin gave his last public concert in London's Guildhall, playing for the Polish refugees. At this time, he was seriously ill, weghing less thatn 99 pounds.
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On 1849, the only and last photograph of Frédéric François Chopin was taken. This was during the progressive stage of his illness, tuberculosis.
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Frédéric Chopin dies in Paris, France.
