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1810 born Frederick-Francois Chopin begs at six piano lessons On his eighth birthday, Fritz's piano touch soft magic the same would ensorcell close listeners all short life long. Favored son of Polish nobility Chopin plays patriotic nocturnes the world opens Austrian snow gold lace music blue horse music silver lake. His long fingers charm the ladies. 1831 Warsaw porcelain's overthrown Chopin emigrates arrives in Paris third week ninth month. Introduced around Chopin plinks highs for powdered faces, francs, and fame. Chopin plays the dandy, silver-lined capes flutter trickle flow fall forest light diamond sparkle crystal green Time is a lie! Waltz D-flat major. Concerto no. 2, F-minor Opus 21. Polonaise Brillante for cello and piano. Mazurkas. Fugues. Sonatas. Marya's dance, dream, legs of love. A romantic elitist, Chopin is popular in Paris parlor scene, friends with vivant artiste Franz Liszt. Chopin courts George Sands, free woman, novelist and lives openly in the full light composing raptures, coughing blood. For health, warmth and work, Chopin goes to Spain, island of Majorca, with continentale Sand. Piano-less awhile, Chopin feels better till Catholics ostracize entourages as immoral and sick... Damp rain coastline rain (Scherzo C-sharp Opus 39). Chopin rides with swine home to France where he dies slow, eleven years consumptive Chopin gulps opium, sugar and gum water, rubs forehead with Eau de Cologne. 1840 Chopin does not play in public. He hears rumors that he's dead and plans grand comeback concert April 24, 1841 Patten-leather pumps the pedals: dreams hopes fears quiet words with the piano Encore Encore seven good years setback, cast off by George Chopin spits blood two days On tour in Scotland, in England Chopin meets the greats: Dickens Carlyle Lady Lovelace November 16, 1848 Guild Hall, London onstage afire with fever before bored chatting audience Chopin's last appearance in public anywhere Chopin lays in a Paris room facing south, dirges ring his ears. October 1849 his last word plus [no more] On the 17th Chopin dies early morning stiffening profile sketched death mask hand casts Delacroix pallbearer fabulous funeral is put on hold Female singers usually not permitted at the Mandeline demand 200 francs to sing Mozart's Requiem. Dead thirteen days, Chopin is buried quietly at his request beating time the black and white keys |
Page Updated: 6/12/00