The first photograph taken to Frederic Chopin, one of the two known images of the artist.

1847

Frédéric Chopin was born on March 1, 1810, in Żelazowa Wola, Poland. A child prodigy, he dazzled audiences with his piano skills from an early age, quickly becoming one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic era. His music, filled with deep emotion and intricate melodies, revolutionized piano composition, blending technical brilliance with lyrical beauty.

In 1830, Chopin left Poland for Paris, where he spent most of his life. There, he became part of an elite artistic circle, befriending figures like Franz Liszt and George Sand, the writer with whom he had a famous and complex relationship. Despite struggling with poor health, he composed some of the most beloved piano works in history, including nocturnes, polonaises, and waltzes that continue to captivate musicians and audiences worldwide.

Chopin’s delicate and poetic style remains unmatched, and his influence on classical music is immeasurable. He passed away on October 17, 1849, at the age of 39, but his music lives on, cherished by pianists and music lovers everywhere.