Frederic Chopin

Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) was a Polish composer and pianist who became one of the leading figures of the Romantic era and spent most of his professional life in Paris. He wrote primarily for the piano, greatly expanding its expressive possibilities through lyrical melodies, richly colored harmony, and supple, flexible rhythms. His mazurkas and polonaises incorporate Polish dance patterns and reflect his attachment to his homeland, while his nocturnes, ballades, waltzes, and études combine intimate lyricism with demanding virtuosity. Among his works for piano and orchestra, the Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante and the Allegro de concert are also well known. The First Ballade, the Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante, and his many dances and miniatures remain central to the piano repertoire.