Chopin, Fryderyk Franciszek (Frederic Francois) (1810-49), was a Polish composer and pianist, born Zelazowa Wola, Warsaw. Poland. Chopin showed early genius and, at the age of six, began his musical training under Zywny. In 1823 he was sent to a Warsaw college and there received instruction in composition from Joseph Elsa. While at the Warsaw Conservatory he was introduced into Polish society, the impressions of which influenced him both as a man and as an artist. In 1831 he proposed to visit London, but, on reaching Paris, settled there, where began his friendship with Mme Dudevant, otherwise George Sand, who exercised an important influence on his life. The last 10 years of his life were a continual struggle against Illness and after a successful tour of Britain he died in Paris.

Chopin Etude No.1