Chopin, Master Pianist
...o upper-class society. This status, along with titles as brilliant salon performer and effective private teacher began to give him fame far and wide. His battle with tuberculosis only enhanced his legendary artist’s image. The most discussed love of Chopin’s life was with novelist George Sand (Aurore Dudevant). Between the years 1838 and 1847 their relationship coincided leading one of Chopin’s most productive creative periods. He published most of his best music simultaneously in Paris, London and Leipzig. Shorlty after this climax in his musical career, Sand handed Chopin his hat and showed him the door. His story ended in Britain where his health quickly deteriorated and finally his funeral was held at the Madeleine and was attended by about 3000 people. Chopin is arguably the greatest piano composer of all time. No great composer has devoted himself singly to the piano as Chopin did. Perhaps one of the greatest improvisers of all time, Chopin could compose while playing; writing what he played being the only difficulty. He was no fickle dreamer, Chopin’s music can be heard, and felt even today. One of my personal favorite Chopin pieces is his Nocturne in E. The piece is unhindered piano magic. His contrasts in energy and smoothness conjure soaring feeling and great musical integrity. In his years of climax, 1828-32, Chopin wrote brilliant rondos and music for piano and orchestra. His studies, preludes, nocturnes, waltzes, and impromptus represent the teaching side of Chopin’s career. Furthermore his large scale works- the polonaises, scherzos, ballades, sonatas, the ...