Look Listen Learn: Winter Wind

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)

 Frédéric Chopin was born in Poland in 1810, he lived there with his family for twenty years and then moved to Paris. He was a famous pianist, composer and teacher.

He never married or had children, but he did have a long-term relationship with a famous French writer, Aurore Dudevant, who used the name George Sand on her novels.

Chopin was a sickly man and died of tuberculosis when he was only 39 years old.

Chopin composed 27 études, which are solo studies for the piano. His études present many technical challenges, and were the first to become a regular part of the concert repertoire. He successfully combines musical artistry with extreme technical virtuosity. The Etude Op.25 No.11 has been nicknamed "Winter Wind".


Evgeny Kissin performs Chopin's Etude Op.25 No.11 (Winter Wind)

The Look Listen Learn posts are meant to give your students a tiny taste of music history, a glimpse at famous composers and an opportunity to watch and listen to wonderful music. Enjoy!